Children and informed consent: a study of children's perceptions and involvement in consent to dental treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to find out to what extent children are involved in consenting to their dental care.


METHODS
It was conducted using a structured interview with 60 8-13-year-old children. In the control group, verbal consent was given by the parent, whilst in the study group written consent was given by the parent and verbal assent by the patient. Interviews were conducted after dental treatment.


RESULTS
The findings indicate that children in the study group felt they were more involved in deciding about their dental treatment compared with the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Children want to be more involved in consenting to their dental treatment.
Adewumi
A
A
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute and Hospital, London. badewumi@hotmail.com
Hector
M P
MP
King
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010358:Patient Participation