Ethics & Law · single question
After a full treatment discussion, a patient verbally states agreement with the treatment plan. What type of consent is this?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Expressed consent
- A. ❌ Informed consent is the PROCESS (disclosure + comprehension + voluntary agreement). The TYPE of consent demonstrated by the verbal agreement is expressed consent, which may be part of the informed consent process.
- B. ❌ Tacit consent is not a standard consent type in dental ethics.
- C. ✅ Correct. EXPRESSED CONSENT = consent given explicitly (verbally or in writing). Verbally saying 'I agree with the treatment plan' is expressed (verbal) consent.
- D. ❌ IMPLIED consent = inferred from patient's actions (e.g., opening mouth for exam) — not from explicit verbal statement.