In this article, we’ll break down what informed consent really means in dentistry, why it matters so much for both patients and clinicians, and how new tools like Clear Consent are helping to modernise and simplify the process.
What Is Informed Consent in Dentistry?
Informed consent is the process of making sure a patient understands their treatment options well enough to make a voluntary and informed decision about their care.
According to UK legal and professional standards—including guidance from the General Dental Council (GDC) and the landmark Montgomery v Lanarkshire (2015) case—informed consent must meet the following criteria:
Key Elements of Valid Informed Consent:
- Disclosure: The patient is given all relevant information about the treatment, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Understanding: The patient must understand what they’ve been told. This includes using plain language and checking for comprehension.
- Voluntariness: The decision must be made freely, without coercion or pressure.
- Capacity: The patient must have the mental capacity to make the decision.
- Documentation: Consent should be recorded clearly in the clinical notes.
Why Informed Consent Matters in Dentistry
Informed consent isn't just about ticking a box—it protects both the patient and the dental professional. When done properly, it:
For Patients:
- Ensures they have control over their treatment
- Reduces fear or anxiety by setting clear expectations
- Helps them make decisions aligned with their values and preferences
For Dentists:
- Fulfils legal and ethical obligations
- Builds trust and improves patient satisfaction
- Reduces the risk of complaints, claims, or regulatory action
Failure to obtain valid informed consent is one of the most common causes of legal disputes in dentistry.
Common Challenges in the Consent Process
Despite its importance, many practices still face issues with the consent process:
- Time pressure in busy clinics
- Use of technical jargon patients don’t understand
- Inconsistent explanations from different clinicians
- Lack of proper documentation
- Patients forgetting what was discussed after leaving the surgery
These challenges can leave dentists exposed to regulatory scrutiny, complaints, and legal liability.
How Clear Consent Modernises Informed Consent
Clear Consent is an innovative digital platform that solves many of these challenges. It uses AI-powered video consent tools to deliver consistent, compliant, and patient friendly consent experiences.
How It Works:
- Dentists create a fully customised AI avatar of themselves.
- The avatar delivers video explanations of treatment procedures using gold standard scripts or dentist-created custom scripts.
- Patients receive the video on their device (phone, tablet, or computer) and can watch it in their own time.
- The platform tracks whether the video is fully watched and asks the patient questions to confirm understanding.
- Patients then digitally sign to confirm consent, and a secure copy is stored in their clinical record.
Why Clear Consent Makes a Difference
- Improves documentation with traceable, timestamped records
- Enhances patient understanding with clear, visual explanations
- Offers convenience for patients to review at their own pace
- Supports legal and ethical compliance with UK consent standards
- Encourages better communication between patient and clinician
Final Thoughts
Informed consent is not just a form—it’s a critical part of modern, patient-centred dentistry. By embracing digital tools like Clear Consent, dentists can reduce risk, improve patient experience, and ensure their consent process meets the highest legal and ethical standards.
If you're looking to future-proof your practice and provide your patients with the clarity they deserve, it's time to make your consent process smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Want to Learn More?
Discover how Clear Consent can help your practice deliver consistent, compliant, and patient-friendly informed consent. Contact Us Today