You advise your patient to get a filling to help manage their toothache, but the patient refuses, what do you do?

This is a question focusing on autonomy and beneficence. You as a dentist have made the decision to carry out a filling, which is in the best interest of the patient, but things become tricky once a patient has denied your treatment plan. Here's what you want to do…

Respect their autonomy

Patients have every right to reject treatment, even if you think it's not in their best interests

Address any potential concerns the patient

It could just be one of those days where your patient has misunderstood what you're trying to achieve, so ask them why they are refusing treatment.

Inform the patient of the risks and benefits

As a dentist it is your responsibility to make sure the patient is aware of all risks and benefits of treatment. So, make sure this has been made clear with the patient so you can obtain valid consent, as required by the GDC.

Record the discussion

Make sure to note down everything you have discussed with your patient, regardless of the patient's final decision. You want to prove that your patient has made an informed decision after communicating the proposed treatment plan.

In this question, you want to show the interviewer that you understand patient autonomy and the importance of gaining valid consent. You want to prove that you have given the patient all the necessary information needed to make an informed decision about receiving treatment, but if the patient refuses, you must respect this.