From communication barriers to poor documentation, the risks associated with inadequate consent are real. In fact, failure to obtain informed consent is one of the leading causes of complaints, claims, and regulatory investigations in dental care.
But what if there was a way to improve patient understanding, streamline the consent process, and reduce your legal exposure - all with one simple, digital solution?
The Hidden Risks of Informed Consent in Dentistry
Informed consent means more than just getting a signature on a form. Legally and ethically, patients must fully understand:
• What the treatment involves
• What the risks and alternatives are
• What could happen if they decline treatment
Yet, dentists face multiple real-world obstacles in achieving this:
1. Time Constraints
Busy clinics often leave little time for detailed, personalised discussions about treatment options.
2. Patient Comprehension
Dental terms can be complex. Patients may be anxious, distracted, or have low health literacy, making it harder for them to absorb important information.
3. Language & Cultural Barriers
Consent must be culturally sensitive and accessible to those with limited English proficiency.
4. Inconsistent Explanations
Different dentists may explain procedures differently, leading to confusion or misinformation.
5. Inadequate Documentation
A signed paper form alone is rarely enough to prove that the patient was truly informed. If a complaint arises, clinicians may struggle to defend their consent process.
Introducing Clear Consent: A Modern Solution for a Legal and Ethical Problem
Enter Clear Consent - a revolutionary software platform designed specifically to tackle the real-world challenges of informed consent in dentistry.
This powerful digital tool uses the latest AI technology to provide clear, standardised, and customisable consent experiences - all delivered by a lifelike avatar of the dentist themselves.
How It Works
Custom AI Dentist Avatar
Each dentist creates a fully personalised AI avatar that looks and sounds just like them. This avatar delivers consent advice on behalf of the dentist.
Pre-built or Custom Scripts
Choose from a library of gold-standard, legally compliant scripts for common procedures - or create your own tailored consent messages and forms.
Cross-Device Video Delivery
Send the consent video to your patient’s phone, tablet, or computer so they can watch it in their own time and at their own pace.
Track Understanding in Real Time
The software confirms that the patient watched the full video and then asks key questions to check that they have understood the risks and benefits.
Digital Signature and Record Keeping
Once completed, the patient digitally signs to confirm understanding, and a fully traceable record is returned to the practice to be saved within the patient’s clinical notes.
Why Clear Consent Changes the Game for Dental Professionals
Using Clear Consent gives dentists and their teams a powerful set of benefits:
Improved Patient Understanding
Visual and verbal explanations via AI avatars help break down complex information in a digestible format.
Time-Saving
Patients receive detailed consent explanations before their visit, freeing up valuable clinic time.
Full Audit Trail
Every interaction is tracked and recorded - providing strong legal proof of consent.
Convenience for Patients
Consent videos can be viewed anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
Legal and Regulatory Protection
Clear Consent supports compliance with GDC standards, GDPR, and best practice informed consent guidelines.
Standardisation Across the Practice
Ensure every patient gets the same high-quality, consistent consent message - no matter which clinician they see.
Future-Proofing Dental Consent
As dentistry becomes more digital and patient expectations evolve, the consent process must evolve too. Traditional paper forms and rushed conversations no longer meet the legal standard for valid informed consent.
With Clear Consent, practices can confidently deliver, document, and defend their consent process - while giving patients the clarity and confidence they deserve.
Ready to Upgrade Your Consent Process?
Clear Consent is now available for forward-thinking dental practices.
To request a free demo or learn more, visit www.clearconsent.co.uk or contact our support team today.