title: Third molar consent forms: how comprehensive should they be?
abstract: To establish a gold standard for the information given to patients about the risks associated with third molar extractions, we surveyed 79 oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) to find out what information they gave to patients during the consent process. We also surveyed 62 medicolegal solicitors to find out what information they thought patients should be given before the procedure, and in what form. A total of 20/76 OMFS (26%) used a two-stage process to obtain consent; 13 (17%) included paraesthesia on the consent form and also gave out an information leaflet. All the lawyers agreed that patients should give their consent in writing and thought that the risk of paraesthesia should be included on the form. Three-quarters thought that they should also be given an information leaflet that includes paraesthesia. We encourage surgeons to do this as part of the two-stage consent process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, UK. Electronic address: britton_danielle@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Britton
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, UK. Electronic address: andy.burns@chsft.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: Newcastle Medical School, Newcastle University, UK. Electronic address: s.hudyba@googlemail.com.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hudyba
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, UK. Electronic address: michaelnugent@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nugent
mesh_terms: D032962:Consent Forms; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008964:Molar, Third; D010292:Paresthesia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014081:Tooth Extraction
keywords: Complications; Consent; Paraesthesia; Third molars