*Corresponding author:
Ankita Gupta, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, BangaloreReceived: January 02, 2018; Published: January 12, 2018
DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.02.000656
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Aim: A cross sectional study was conducted to explore the knowledge, attitude and perceived implications of ethics of informed consent among dental surgeons of Bangalore South.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 205 dental practitioners of Bangalore South. Questionnaire consisting of 27 questions was used for this purpose and was distributed to the practitioners.
Results: Among 205 dental practitioners, 60.5% were males and 39.5% were females. Based on education level of dentists, they were classified as: BDS (55.1%) and MDS (44.9%). Majority of the dentists (91%) were aware about informed consent and 89.7% of them agreed that it was necessary to explain treatment plan before taking consent. Ninety three (45%) dentists responded that they obtained the oral form of informed consent. Almost all participants (187; 91%) reported that they should always take informed consent when they treated children.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that majority of the participating dentists was aware of their duty and obligation towards the patients. Although, informed consent played a major role in the daily practice of the majority, many were not using written consent as a routine procedure.
Clinical significance: Despite its importance in medicine and dentistry, clinician ignores the value of taking proper informed consent from patients. Therefore there is an urgent need to give priority to this area by changing the attitude of the practitioners towards it
Keywords: Informed consent; Dental practice; Ethics; Malpractice; Patient right
Abbreviations: ICH-GCP: International Conference on Harmonization Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice; IDA: Indian Dental Association; AAP: American Academy of Paediatrics
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