Barns autonomi i tannhelsetjenesten: Grensene for informert samtykke og tillit til helsepersonell

English summary Children’s autonomy in dental care: The limits of informed consent and trust in healthcare professionals Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2024; 134: 1062-9. Background: This article discusses the boundaries of informed consent and trust in healthcare professionals through a case study from dental care, focusing on treatment of children. Materials and methods: An ethical reflection model (SME model) is used to analyze a case involving a seven-year-old boy who opposes dental treatment. The analysis follows five steps: identifying the ethical problem , presenting the facts , considering the perspectives and interests of the parties involved , examining the relevant values, principles, laws, and guidelines , and exploring alternative actions . Results: The analysis demonstrates that informed consent and trust are influenced by communication and relationships, context, and the patient’s previous experiences. Conclusion: Informed consent and trust need to be assessed individually. A balanced approach to information and trust-building is essential to ensure ethically sound healthcare and a trusting collaboration between patient and healthcare provider.