The Importance of Informed Consent

Mattheos et al. provided valuable information for oral health care providers in their recently published article Dental Implant Placement with Bone Augmentation in a Patient Who Received Intravenous Bisphosphonate Treatment for Osteoporosis.¹ In the Specific Clinical Conditions section, the authors state that “after comprehensive risk assessment, and provided the patient deems the risks acceptable, proceeding with the extraction would be the first step, as this procedure is essential for the patient’s health.”¹ This statement fails to elaborate on the importance of obtaining informed consent from the patient prior to initiation of dental treatment in this specific clinical situation.

In a recent executive summary of recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs about managing the care of patients receiving antiresorptive therapy for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, it is recommended for dentists to consider documenting the discussion of risks, benefits and treatment options with the patient and obtaining the patient’s written acknowledgment of that discussion and consent for the chosen course of treatment.² The ADA also recommends that the dentist retain in the patient’s dental record their written acknowledgment and consent.²

Considering the medicolegal climate in many countries, this is prudent advice for all clinicians to follow and to incorporate in the decision-making pathway when providing oral health care to patients using antiresorptive therapy for any medical condition.

Response from the Author

We would like to thank Dr. Stoopler for bringing up this very important point. The authors agree that obtaining (and documenting) informed consent is of paramount importance prior to any therapeutic procedure in such a case. It is also evident that the informed consent should be received and documented according to the established safeguards at the place of practice.