Having practiced for over 30 years now I can see the difference in the attitude of patients. With every passing day the practice scenario is becoming tougher . Patients have become consumers and have come to buy treatment .Frankly speaking I do not blame the patients for this . It is a reflection of the overall societal degeneration. We all know that any treatment medical surgical dental is unpredictable .There cannot be hundred percent success rate and complications are a part of life.
Complications are of various types and can occur in any type of dental treatment in this chapter I will elaborate my views as to how to inform about complications to the patient.
Before I proceed ahead I would advise everyone not only to take the signature of the patient on the consent form but also explain about the potential complications to the patient.
So if you end up with complications it would be easier to manage the scenario in case of any complication the first thing is to document the complication it must be mentioned in the patients case paper and the copy must be kept with you.
A complication is not negligence not recognising it and not informing about it to the patient is negligence.
Thereafter tell the patient about it in simple and clear language then you can tell that you are in control and you know what is to be done next most of the patient will appreciate this however please note that there will be some who will not.
The reaction of the patients can be plain disgust frown to belligerent arguments and even physical assault.
Safety of the self is paramount and if a dentist suspects that is safety is in peril then he may decide not to break the news to the patient immediately but proper documentation is a must.
If you suspect physical assault then he must make security provisions and thereafter inform the patient.
Admittedly this is easier said than done .Patients expect to be informed immediately and completely about any complications. If they come to know about it later they get a feeling of being cheated while informing about any complication that dentist must not feel guilty or ashamed or anxious.
CONCLUSION :It is always better to inform immediately about any complication to the patient it helps the practice in the long run although they can be a transient period of distress both for the dentist and the patient.
