Taking and making decisions for children in dentistry

Abstract

In dentistry one rarely deals with life-or-death decisionmaking, however important human values are at stake during the course of any dental treatment. These include preventing pain, preserving and restoring oral function for normal speech and eating, preserving and restoring the patient's physical appearance, and promoting a sense of control over and responsibility for his or her own health. The dental management and treatment of children can be challenging to the practicing dentist in many ways including dealing with ethical issues related to the best interests of the child, obtaining valid consent or assent, surrogate decision making and access to care.