ABSENCE OF THE TERM OF FREE AND INFORMED CONSENT: A PRACTICE NEGLIGENT?

This study aimed at evaluating the ethical and legal use of the Term of Free and Informed Consent (TFIC) by dentists-surgeons (DSs) of the city of Anápolis, GO, making up a survey of the use, of the content and the importance given to it by professionals. We randomly selected 60 DSs regularly entered in the Regional Council of Dentistry of Goiás, Regional Anápolis, who agreed to participate in the study. They answered a questionnaire composed of three parts: the first for the characterization of the professional profile, the second on the implementation of TFIC, and the degree of importance assigned to it; and third evaluating qualitatively the use of TFIC, on the frequency, the form of government (verbal / written) and its valuation. Sixty DSs replied to the questionnaire, 62% have been used the TFIC for the start of treatment, and, of these, only 35% use it ever. On the way to implementation, 60% reported using the term in written form / print, where 96% ask for pacient signature. Only 22% reported using it in verb form, and that 100% of them said guide to the risks of technical procedures performed. Only a minority of DSs routinely employs the TFIC. This indicates the need for action of the union of class and Universities for recovery of TFIC and guidance to professionals. Also emphasized the need to develop a reflection on a fundamental problem in relationship dentist-surgeon - patient and on patient’s and professional’s decisions.
Keywords: Legal and Ethical Aspects; Term of Free and Informed Consent; Link surgeon-dentist – Patient.