Taking and making decisions for children in dentistry

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Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

South African Dental Association

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.

Description

Keywords

Ethics, Dental ethics, Paediatric dentistry, Dental treatment, Children

Citation

Naidoo, S. (2015). Taking and making decisions for children in dentistry. South African Dental Journal, 70(7): 308 - 310