What type of consent is given when a patient understands the risks and benefits associated with a procedure?

The correct answer is informed consent, which is essential in healthcare, particularly in dental practices. Informed consent occurs when a patient is fully aware of the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and voluntarily agrees to undergo the treatment. This process involves a healthcare provider explaining relevant information clearly and allowing the patient to ask questions to ensure understanding.

Obtaining informed consent is crucial as it respects the autonomy of the patient, allowing them to make knowledgeable decisions about their health care. It also protects healthcare providers legally, ensuring that they have disclosed necessary information before treatment begins. This concept emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in patient care.

Other types of consent, such as implied consent, often apply in situations where immediate action is needed and the patient’s consent is assumed based on their behavior or circumstances. Express consent is a clearer affirmation of agreement but lacks the detailed dialogue about risks and benefits inherent in informed consent. Assumed consent is a less formal concept where consent is not explicitly given but is anticipated based on the context, which is not sufficient for proper medical ethics.