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A survey of the consent practices of specialist orthodontic practitioners in the North-West of England

Westcliffe Dental Practice, Blackpool, UK

Christine Taylor

Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, UK

Address for correspondence: C. Taylor, Orthoworld, 24 Whitegate, Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9AQ, UK., Email: kctaylor{at}btinternet.com

	Abstract

Objective: To use a questionnaire to obtain information on the consent practices of specialist orthodontic practitioners in the North-West of England and highlight any areas for improvement.

Design: Postal questionnaire.

Setting: This survey was conducted among specialist practitioners in 2005–2006.

Subject and methods: A questionnaire was sent to 84 specialist practitioners on the specialist register in the North-West of England. This consisted of six sections with a mixture of yes/no responses and a section that determined for which subjects consent was obtained and how.

Outcome: Responses were received from 58 (69%) practitioners. Ten were discounted.

Results: Forty-five (94%) of the 48 practitioners who responded routinely obtained consent from patients, and 27 (60%) used a consent form. Of these 27, 16 (59%) forms were based on a recommended design from an organization such as the British Orthodontic Society. Twenty-three (85%) practitioners gave the form to the patient/parent to read themselves, and 24 (89%) got the consent form signed by the patient/parent. Eighteen (67%) forms were countersigned by the orthodontist or an assigned member of staff. Seventeen (63%) practitioners gave the patient a photocopy. Of the 45 respondents who did obtain consent from their patients, seven (16%) practitioners assigned the consent process to a member of staff. Twenty-eight (62%) respondents would allow a patient under 16 to consent to treatment, with the youngest age being 10 years.

Conclusions: Forty-five (94%) specialist practitioners who responded did routinely obtain consent from patients for treatment, but 18 (40%) did not use a consent form. The subjects discussed with the patient varied. Areas for improvement are highlighted.

Key words: Consent, orthodontics, specialist orthodontic practitioner