Your rights and obligations as a dental patient

As you know I am a dentist and as long as I had worked I noticed that the patients do not know their rights and obligations in the dental clinic . So I decided to write this post. I hope you will find it useful.

Your rights as a dental patient 

1. Cleanliness and sterility go without saying. This is a non-negotiable standard.So I put it as the first point of view.
2. You have a right to have complete information about your condition conveyed in words and concepts you can understand. When you are unsure or unclear, insist that he or she explain things to you using simple words.That is one of the roles of the dental assistants. 
3. You have a right to know all reasonable options, each with its implications and risks. You can't make an informed choice unless you know what options are possible, what your dentist recommends and why he or she is making that recommendation.
4. You have a right to seek a second opinion (or more) any time you want additional information from another source. Second opinions are perfectly reasonable and you should not be afraid of insulting your dentist when you seek one.  
5. You have a right to know the fees and costs you will be expected to pay and how you will pay them prior to accepting any dental services. 
6. When emergency situations do occur. Patients have the right to be seen as soon as possible.
7. You have a right to be seen and be treated on time – within reason. While unexpected events with a previous patient can occasionally cause delays, these should not be regular events. 
8. You have a right to be informed of your progress and any changes that are required once you have embarked on a course of treatment. There are no guarantees in dentistry or medicine. Your dentist may offer a preliminary course of treatment that may not accomplish everything that was hoped for. Be prepared to move to more comprehensive or aggressive next steps when the desired outcome has not been achieved . 
9. You have a right to be treated with respect at all times. This includes the privacy and security of your records and the privacy of your discussions with the dentist and staff members. 
10. Dental patients have the right to confidentiality. Confidentially is very important to individuals in all areas. 
11. You have a right to receive care from qualified staff members,and to receive quality care.
12. You have a right to ask questions and receive informed decisions about the care you will receive.
13. You have the right to refuse treatment or discontinue treatment at any time.
14. A patient has the right to request copies of all information in their file at any time for their own use. 
    
    
    

Your obligations as a dental patient

1. You have an obligation to be truthful with your dentist at all times. What you don't reveal he or she cannot know. Do not withhold information and do not withhold your opinions and feelings – negative as well as positive.  Dentists want you to be happy. If you don't tell them you are displeased they can't take measures to correct that. 
2. You have an obligation to show up on time as agreed. If you make an appointment, keep it. Show up on time. Ask the same in return.
3. You have an obligation to follow the instructions of your dentist inside the clinic during the treatment and after the treatment.
4. You have an obligation to pay as agreed. Do not agree to treatment you cannot afford. Dentists have a right to be paid a fair fee for their efforts. Budget and plan wisely. 
5. You have an obligation to treat your dentist and his or her staff with respect and be a pleasant person at all times. Respect is reciprocal. 

Dental Assistants work hard to help Dentists and Dental Hygienists provide quality care to patients. They try to provide patients with the knowledge of proper dental care as well as information about the procedures they are about to undergo.