What type of consent is more formal and truthful than implied consent?

Informed consent is a formal and comprehensive process that ensures a patient understands the implications of a specific medical or dental procedure before it is carried out. This type of consent goes beyond just agreement or acknowledgment; it involves providing the patient with detailed information about the procedure, including its purpose, risks, benefits, and any alternatives available. As such, informed consent requires clear communication between the dental professional and the patient, allowing for questions and discussions to facilitate the patient’s understanding and comfort.

While oral consent may involve verbal agreement, it does not necessarily include the thorough information that informed consent encompasses. Affirmative consent typically refers to a mutual agreement process, often used in contexts surrounding sexual consent, and does not specifically relate to medical or dental procedures. Promise consent is not a recognized term in the context of medical ethics or dental practice. Thus, informed consent is the most appropriate answer, as it aligns with the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare providers to ensure that patients are well-informed and actively participating in their care decisions.