ArticleChildren (Basel, Switzerland)2025
Ethical and Legal Aspects of Informed Consent and Assent in Paediatric Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Article in Children (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Paediatric Dental Pain Management: Children's and Parents' Perspectives in Kosovo.Dentistry journal · 2026Article
- Article
- Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundInformed consent and assent are fundamental ethical and legal requirements in paediatric healthcare, yet their application in paediatric dentistry is complex and underexplored in clinical practice.
objectiveThis study aimed to analyse the implementation of informed consent and assent processes in paediatric dental care within a Spanish population, identifying key characteristics and factors that influence communication, understanding, and decision-making.
methodsAn observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Spanish Paediatric Dentistry Clinics (January-June 2023). Participants included 520 child-caregiver pairs and 52 dental students. Data were collected via a semi-structured observational protocol and interviews, assessing information provided, decision-making conditions, and influencing factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, employing Chi-square, Cochran's Q, and Kendall's W tests.
resultsThe information most frequently provided was the nature of the dental problem (92%), treatment details (88%), and benefits (85%). Information on risks (64%), alternatives (37%), and the right to withdraw consent (41%) was less consistently communicated. After multivariable adjustment, child schooling remained independently associated with the disclosure of risks and alternatives (
conclusionsThe processes of informed consent and assent in paediatric dentistry are more strongly linked to the child's cognitive maturity and schooling than to parental education. While communication of treatment benefits is adequate, critical aspects like risks and alternatives are often overlooked. The findings underscore the need for standardized protocols and enhanced bioethical training to ensure consistent, ethical, and participatory practices that respect the progressive autonomy of minors.
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