5.2 Informed Consent

Note: Much of the information in this section was adapted, with permission, from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s (AAPD's) Guideline on behavior guidance for the pediatric dental patient.

All behavior guidance decisions must be based on a subjective evaluation, weighing benefit and risk to the child. Need for treatment, consequences of deferred treatment, and potential physical/emotional trauma must be considered. Decisions about the use of behavior guidance techniques other than communicative guidance cannot be made solely by the dentist.

Behavior guidance decisions must involve a legal guardian (hereafter referred to as “a parent”) and, if appropriate, the child. The dentist serves as the expert about oral health care (i.e., the need for treatment and the techniques by which treatment can be delivered). The parent shares with the dentist the decision about whether to treat and must be consulted about treatment strategies and potential risks. The successful completion of diagnostic and therapeutic services requires the cooperation of the oral health professional, the parent, and the child.

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