Dental consent forms and patient rights: what to know before you sign
Before a procedure such as an implant, extraction, root canal treatment or orthodontics, your dentist explains what will be done, the possible risks and the alternatives, and then asks for your consent. An informed consent form isn't just a piece of paper to sign: it shows that you were informed and made the decision freely. This article covers what a consent form should contain, your rights as a patient and questions you can ask before signing.
What is informed consent?
Under Türkiye's Patient Rights Regulation, patients have the right to be told about their condition, what the proposed treatment involves, its benefits, possible risks and side effects, any alternatives, and what may happen without treatment. Consent given after this explanation is called informed consent.
Verbal consent is enough for a simple examination. For invasive procedures such as extractions, implants, gum surgery, root canal treatment and orthodontics, written consent is common and good practice.
What should a consent form include?
- Diagnosis: what the problem is, in plain language.
- Planned procedure: which tooth, what will be done and over how many visits.
- Possible risks: for example bleeding and dry socket after extraction, nerve or sinus risks with implants, or rare events such as an instrument separating during root canal treatment.
- Alternatives: other options, and the possible consequences of doing nothing.
- Afterwards: expected discomfort, care and follow-up visits.
- Names and date: the patient's and the treating dentist's names, signatures and the date.
The cost usually appears in a separate written treatment plan rather than the consent form. See written treatment plan.
Your rights as a patient
| Right | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Information | Learning your diagnosis, options and risks in language you understand |
| Consent and refusal | Declining a proposed treatment or withdrawing consent you gave |
| Access to records | Asking for a copy of your X-rays and treatment records |
| Privacy | Your health information is protected as special-category personal data |
| Choice and second opinion | Getting another dentist's view; see second opinion |
5 questions to ask before signing
- What happens if this isn't done, and can it wait?
- Is there a less invasive option?
- What are the most common and the most serious risks, and how likely are they?
- What will I feel in the first days, and when should I contact you?
- Who will carry out the procedure and the follow-ups?
For more, see 12 questions to ask your dentist.
Consent for children and with family support
For patients under 18, consent is given by a parent or guardian, and the child is told what will happen in words suited to their age. For older patients or anyone who finds decisions difficult, having a relative at the appointment makes it easier to take in the information together. See dental treatment in later life.
Consent and records at Dent32
At our polyclinic in Beylikdüzü we show you the findings on screen, explain the plan and alternatives, and obtain your consent before invasive procedures. You can read the form without being rushed and ask for time to think it over at home. If you ask for a copy of your X-rays, we share it.
Examination in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği (Dent32 Dental Polyclinic) is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
For clinic details, our dentists and the full list of treatments, visit Dent32, dental clinic in Beylikdüzü.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my mind after signing a consent form?
Yes, you can withdraw consent. If stopping a procedure that has already started would harm your health, the dentist will explain this clearly and you'll decide together.
Does a signed consent form release the dentist from all responsibility?
No. The form shows that you were informed; the dentist is still obliged to carry out treatment in line with professional standards.
Can I get my X-rays and records?
Yes. You can ask for a copy of your treatment records and X-rays; taking them to another dentist can reduce the need for repeat imaging.
