Informed Consent, according to the American Medical
Association, is defined as "more than simply getting a
patient to sign a written consent form. It is a process of
communication between a patient and physician that results
in the patient's authorization or agreement to undergo a
specific medical intervention." What this has to do with
you as a dental patient has widespread ramifications.
How informed are you?
Let's develop this further. For example, do you fully
understand all the procedures, techniques and time
commitments of your proposed dental treatment? Are you
informed of all the risks, benefits and options available
for each procedure? Are you made aware of what dental
materials are being used and how they may impact your
health? Most of all, is everything in writing and signed
by you and your dentist? If any of the previous questions
were answered with a "no", then you must read further.
Your mouth is the "gateway to your body" and plays a much
more important role for achieving good overall health than
most people realize. Good nutrition, digesting food
properly, smiling, kissing, speaking and so many other
functions all require good oral health.
Studies today indicate that certain dental conditions are
risk factors for heart disease, stroke, neurological
problems, obesity, diabetes,pre-term and low birth weight
babies, headaches, facial pain and more.
No place for dentistry
Dentistry has been in the past considered to be the
forgotten child in the medical world. Medical doctors are
not trained at all about the mouth and its impact on health
while dentists, by licensure, are limited to treating
issues only within the head and neck areas.
Dental insurance coverage is poor and medical insurance
doesn't cover dental therapies (except Health Savings
Accounts). As a matter of fact, many employers are
eliminating dental benefits altogether.
Therefore, the responsibility is placed upon you to become
a more educated, informed consumer. Knowledge is the key
that will enable you to make the decisions about your
healthcare that are right for you. After all, it is your
body and you should know what is being done to it at all
times. And it starts with Informed Consent.
The right beginning
The initial examination and related diagnostic tests are
the first steps for gathering information. A good medical
and dental history is vitally important. This history not
only includes your chief dental complaint but also your
chief medical complaint, including listing of surgeries,
medications, past illnesses, family health issues and total
body system reviews.
The history should be reviewed by you and your dentist with
you being informed of how any dental procedure may impact
your health. Appropriate referrals should be made to other
qualified practitioners if indicated. This form should
then be signed and dated by you and your dentist making
sure this extremely important step has been completed.
You are doing what to me?
The treatment plan that follows provides the blueprint for
how your dentist is going to address your dental needs. A
separate appointment should be scheduled with your dentist,
not an assistant or office manager, to go over in depth
what the treatment recommendations are. Time needs to be
spent going over the risks, benefits and options for all
aspects of the proposed treatment.
You should be provided with the appropriate information,
models, pictures, brochures, charts ...etc. that fully
support your treatment decisions. Fees should be discussed
upfront, along with payment options and insurance
contributions, and accepted by both parties. When you are
both satisfied with the agreement, you and your dentist
should sign and date the document.
It is a good idea to bring a tape recorder with you to that
visit allowing you to review this discussion you had with
your dentist. Bringing your significant other is also
recommended so as to avoid any misunderstandings that may
arise, especially if finances are the issue.
As time goes on...
As treatment progresses always maintain good communication
with your dentist and the staff. Don't be afraid to ask
questions and keep asking them until you're fully satisfied
that all your questions have been answered. Any changes in
treatment should be fully discussed, understood, and
accepted by you and your dentist. And yes, get it in
writing and signed!
Through informed consent, you will gain an understanding of
all aspects of your proposed dental treatment ultimately
resulting in a more favorable outcome. You can now become
an informed consumer in charge of your own health and that
is the first step toward a healthier smile!
----------------------------------------------------
Dr. Vincent DiLorenzo, President of T-Horizons, LLC, is a
holistic dentist who specializes in Health Savings Accounts
and other types of Consumer Driven Health Care Solutions
for families, individuals and employers by encouraging
healthy lifestyles to lower healthcare costs at home and
the workplace. Learn more at => http://www.t-horizons.com
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