Why should we bother providing a consent form for a tooth colored “filling” or perio scaling?
We do these services all the time and everyone understands what they are. Are you sure? Have you ever had a patient complain that a tooth colored “filling” is sensitive, seems a little darker over time, or shows some staining at the margins? Many patients do not understand the possible limitations of tooth colored fillings. If they are not happy, they may not pay their bills. Have you ever had a patient complain that she is tired of paying so much for her “cleanings”? (In fact, complaints to State Dental Boards concerning “cleanings” are on the rise.) Obviously, many of these complaining patients are not receiving “cleanings”, but periodontal scaling and subsequent periodontal maintenance. The issue probably lies in the fact that the patient does not really understand his/her treatment. The informed consent process can be the key to unlocking this lapse in communication. While it is true that tooth colored fillings and periodontal scaling are procedures that are frequently performed, i
