Knowledge and awareness of informed consent among orthodontists and patients: A pilot study

AIM: Despite fixed professional opinion of what might constitute optimal treatment, patients must be informed of the various treatment options available in orthodontics to manage their clinical problem. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the knowledge and awareness among practicing orthodontists and patients with regard to informed consent in clinical practice and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five orthodontists and 25 patients were enrolled in a questionnaire study which was descriptive and cross-sectional in the nature. The questionnaire focused on the following aspects; contents of informed consent, at what age and who can give consent. RESULTS: The study showed a majority of orthodontists (79.14%) were aware of knowledge regarding informed consent when compared to patients(35.14%). CONCLUSION: The overall result showed the huge gap that exists between orthodontists and patients and thus making it categorical for patients to be more involved in the decision-making process.