title: Informed consent in dentistry.
abstract: This paper analyzes the concept of informed consent in dentistry from a bioethical and philosophical perspective. It is the author's contention that informed consent, as presently used in daily practice, might be illusory at best. After analyzing the concept in general to derive a philosophical underpinning, this basis is applied to common dental scenarios in order to illustrate an approach that is respectful of the patient's autonomy and that can achieve a truly meaningful informed consent.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Sokol
mesh_terms: D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent