informed consent
A formal, documented process in which a patient is provided sufficient information about a proposed anesthetic or sedation procedure—including risks, benefits, and alternatives—to make a voluntary, knowledgeable decision.
Full Definition
Informed consent in dental anesthesiology encompasses both the process of disclosure and the patient's voluntary agreement to proceed. The consent document must articulate the nature of the planned sedation technique, material risks such as respiratory depression or allergic reaction, potential benefits, available alternatives including no sedation, and the right to withdraw consent at any time. Dental boards in most jurisdictions require a written, signed consent form to be retained in the patient's record. Editors reviewing consent forms should verify that the language is written at an appropriate reading level, free of unexplained jargon, and legally compliant with local regulatory requirements. 'Informed consent' is a legal and ethical term of art; it should never be shortened to 'consent' in contexts where the distinction matters.
Usage
Usage note: Do not abbreviate to 'consent' in legal or regulatory documents. 'Assent' (used for minors who cannot legally consent) is distinct from 'informed consent' and should not be conflated. Ensure plain-language requirements are noted in editorial reviews of patient-facing documents.
In Context
- "The informed consent form for IV sedation must be signed by the patient—or guardian, if a minor—before the procedure begins." — Office anesthesia policy and procedure manual
- "Informed consent documentation was reviewed and found to omit discussion of postoperative driving restrictions." — Quality assurance audit report