This is the fourth in our six-part email series for oral health professionals about BCCOHP’s Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team (Professional Standards) which came into effect on June 30, 2025.
The Professional Standards are organized by six overarching principles, which underpin ethical decision-making in oral health care. This email series is designed to help oral health professionals understand the Professional Standards more deeply by highlighting each of the six principles over a number of weeks.
Principle #4: Communicate effectively and obtain informed consent
As an oral health professional, you must communicate clearly with patients, obtain informed consent, respect patient autonomy in decision-making and promptly inform patients if care does not go as planned.
Learn more about principle 4 by watching this short video >>
Q&A: Principles in practice
Since the Professional Standards came into force on June 30, 2025, our team of professional advisors has received a variety of questions related to principle 4. We are sharing two questions related to principle 4 that capture the themes raised most often.
The answers shared below should be considered in combination with professional discretion and individual patient needs. BCCOHP sets expectations through high-level, broadly stated principles which give latitude to the oral health professionals we oversee to make decisions that provide safe care to patients.
While today’s email is focused on questions where the answer largely relates back to principle 4, it’s important to recognize other principles may be relevant in the responses.
Question 1: My patient says they trust me to make the right decision for them because they don’t understand all the ‘dental lingo’. How do I obtain informed consent and ensure my patient has autonomy to make their own decisions?
Answer: Once you present all treatment options (section 4.2.2), it is your responsibility to ensure your patient understands what was presented. This means allowing time for discussion and questions they may have. If your patient lacks the capacity to understand, you may need to work in partnership with a relative or support person to assist with planning and providing care for your patient. See the sections under Standards 4.2 and 4.3 for additional information on how to obtain consent and respect your patient’s autonomy.
Question 2: My patient has asked to access their dental record, but they have an outstanding bill. I am worried they may not pay the bill or record access fees and switch to a new provider. What do I do?
Answer: Your patients have a right by law to access a copy of their complete dental record. With few exceptions, you must comply with applicable legislation, such as the Personal Information Protection Act. BCCOHP expects that you will respond promptly to patient requests for records (Section 4.1.8) as this ensures continuity of care and improved outcomes for your patient. Your patients have the right to expect open communication and that you understand their needs.
There are a variety of reasons why a patient might request records or information, such as seeking a second opinion. You are expected to respect your patient’s right to make decisions about their health care, including seeking treatment elsewhere. You cannot withhold records due to financial disputes or equity barriers, as a delay may impact continuity of care and lead to negative outcomes for your patient.
Signage toolkit for oral health facilities
A toolkit of public-facing resources (printable poster, digital slides and a foldable tent card) has been assembled for you to consider displaying in your space. These resources are designed to promote understanding of what patients can expect from their oral health team.
Background
BCCOHP’s Professional Standards for the Oral Health Team came into effect on June 30, 2025. These standards are the minimum requirements for professional and ethical performance, conduct and behaviour for oral health professionals in BC. They are the core professional and ethical requirements and apply to all aspects of oral health care and all oral health professionals.
Earlier emails in this six-part series about the Professional Standards are linked below for reference:
Principle 1 – Putting the patient’s interest first
Principle 2 – Provide safe and competent care
Principle 3 – Be culturally aware, equitable and inclusive
Contact us
For more information, please reach out to BCCOHP’s Professional Advisors via our contact form >>