What type of consent do patients provide when they enter a dental office?

When patients enter a dental office, they provide implied consent. This form of consent occurs through the patient’s actions or presence rather than explicitly verbalizing agreement. For example, by showing up for an appointment and sitting in the dental chair, patients are generally understood to be giving their permission for the dental team to conduct an examination or provide treatment.

Implied consent is particularly relevant in situations where the patient’s intentions are clear through their behavior. It is commonly accepted in many health care scenarios, such as when a patient extends their arm for a blood pressure check or opens their mouth for a dental exam.

Informed consent, express consent, and written consent involve a more explicit acknowledgment of the treatment or procedure. Informed consent requires the practitioner to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment, allowing the patient to make an informed decision. Express consent usually refers to verbal agreements, while written consent involves documented approval typically used for more complex procedures. These forms of consent are important but are not the primary means by which consent is established when a patient first arrives at a dental office.