National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Before surgery, a patient is explained the procedure and then signs an authorization for treatment. What is this process called?

1. Patient registration

2. Informed consent

3. Patient evaluation

4. Treatment planning

The correct answer is: Informed consent

The process of a patient being explained a procedure and then signing an authorization for treatment is referred to as informed consent. This is a fundamental aspect of patient care in healthcare practices, including dentistry. Informed consent ensures that the patient understands the nature of the treatment, the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to proceed. It is a legal and ethical requirement that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health care. Informed consent is critical because it protects patient autonomy and promotes a trusting relationship between the patient and healthcare provider. By providing comprehensive information and ensuring that the patient comprehends it, the healthcare provider allows the patient to participate actively in their treatment decisions. This process is not only a safeguard for patients but also a key element in the legal documentation of their treatment journey. Other terms related to patient interactions, such as patient registration, patient evaluation, and treatment planning, do not specifically pertain to the agreement or understanding of a procedure prior to its execution. Patient registration is about collecting personal and insurance information, patient evaluation involves assessing the patient's health status, and treatment planning refers to the formulation of a strategy for the patient's care based on their specific needs. Each of these plays a significant role in the patient care process, but they do not encapsulate