Informed consent: a changing paradigm?

Abstract: It is both an ethical and legal obligation for clinicians to ensure patients are fully informed and involved in the decision-making process. A recent landmark case, Montgomery vs Lanarkshire, has emphasized the importance of fully informing patients regarding the risks of treatment and is likely to have significant implications for the dental specialty. This paper aims to provide an overview of informed consent in the UK and discuss the implications of this ruling on orthodontists and the wider dental team. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper aims to discuss the legal and ethical implications of a recent legal case, Montgomery vs Lankarkshire, on the orthodontic profession and highlight how the case may change the current consent taking process.