Ethics & Law · single question
A dentist asks 'Is it okay if I examine your teeth?' and the patient opens their mouth. What type of consent is this?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Implied consent
- A. ✅ Correct. Opening the mouth = IMPLIED consent. The patient's action (behavior) IMPLIES agreement without explicitly stating it verbally or in writing. This is the classic example of implied consent.
- B. ❌ Verbal consent would require the patient to say 'yes' — opening the mouth is a behavioral (non-verbal) response.
- C. ❌ Expressed consent requires explicit verbal or written affirmation — opening the mouth is non-verbal.
- D. ❌ Informed consent involves full disclosure, comprehension, and explicit agreement — not simply opening the mouth.