Consent – a new era begins

Key Points Provides an understanding of consent in general dental practice. Explains updates on a new legal case that changes the emphasis of the consent process. Updates readers on the quality of information that is required to obtain valid consent. The law in relation to consent has changed following the handing down of the Supreme Court judgement in Montgomery vs Lanarkshire in March this year. Legally, clinicians, including dentists, must now take reasonable care to ensure that patients are aware of any material risks involved in a proposed treatment and of reasonable alternatives. This case now brings the law in relation to the disclosure of risks when obtaining consent to treatment in line with the guidance issued by regulatory bodies such as the GMC and GDC.