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Informed Refusal — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateBehavioural Sciences & Practice ManagementInformed RefusalNDEB AFK

The concept of 'informed refusal' in Canadian dental practice requires which of the following?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — The dentist documents that the patient understands the consequences of refusing recommended treatment, including risks of non-treatment

Informed refusal parallels informed consent — the patient must understand what they are refusing, the expected consequences of non-treatment, available alternatives, and the risks. The dentist must document the discussion, the patient's decision, and that the patient was advised of the consequences. This protects both the patient's autonomy and the dentist legally. The patient is NOT required to provide reasons for their decision.

Reference: Reibl v Hughes, Supreme Court of Canada, 1980; CDA – Code of Ethics