Everyone wants a beautiful smile, but they don’t always happen naturally. A crown is a dental procedure in which a tooth is repaired or replaced with a prosthetic piece. The crown is made to restore the shape and strength of damaged or decayed tooth structures. A crown is made by the dentist, usually in one sitting, and lasts a lifetime. Damaged teeth can give a less-than-optimal appearance and may also cause pain, but you can help your clients by providing beautiful crowns, but first, they must sign a crown consent form. The best way to create these vital documents is by using a template to quickly and efficiently produce a high-quality legal consent form.
What Is a Crown Consent Form?
A crown consent form is a document that a patient must fill out prior to receiving a dental crown. It helps inform the patient of all the details surrounding the crown procedure. Moreover, the form includes information about the materials used, the advantages and disadvantages of the crown, its associated risks, and any other relevant details. The patient must sign the form to indicate that they have read and understood all of the information provided and agrees to proceed. By signing this document, the patient acknowledges that they have had an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarity, and they agree with the proposed treatment and its terms.
Fun Fact: In 1767, a surgeon named John Hunter began asking for patients’ consent before performing surgical procedures on them. This is arguably the earliest recorded instance of informed consent. Since then, it has become standard among healthcare providers, and the practice has spread to many other professions.
When Is a Crown Consent Form Needed?
Put simply, a dental crown consent form is needed when a dentist places a crown on a tooth. The form must be signed before treatment can begin. Notably, since this type of consent is specific to one type of procedure, it only grants permission for the proposed treatment at the scheduled time and does not offer approval for additional work. If your patient requires other surgeries or treatments during the same visit, it is vital to have them sign separate forms or to create a custom integrated consent form that reflects this need. Some dentists prefer to use a crown and bridge consent form, which covers either or both.
Essential Elements of a Crown Consent Form
The essential elements of a crown consent form primarily focus on the risks associated with this procedure. However, it also contains crucial consent statements, signatures, and other features. Below we’ve created a brief overview of all the essential elements and how they are used.
- (Optional) Business Name or Logo- This is not required, but it is a standard part of many professional documents.
- Form Title- This should state “Crown Consent Form, Dental Crown, and Bridge Consent Form,” or some reasonable variation which clearly expresses the intent of the form in bold print at the top.
- Comprehension of Risk Statement- This shows that the patient understands that, while due care is always used in the process, there are still inherent risks in this type of procedure, and the results cannot be guaranteed.
- Risk Awareness Statements- Most of the page should be dedicated to discussing various specific risks and risk mitigation, such as allowing the patient to survey the work and sign final approval before the crown is cemented in place.
- Projected Longevity Notice- Let the patient know that numerous factors affect the longevity of their crowns, list some of the common ones, and ensure they understand their self-maintenance responsibility.
- Bold Patient Responsibility Statement- It is crucial, and often legally required to include a bold-print statement informing the patient of their responsibility to follow instructions, make and attend appointments, report adverse effects, and seek dental/medical assistance if unexpected problems occur.
- Patient Signature and Date- Signatures make this document legally binding, so ensure they are added.
- Parent, Guardian, or Legal Representative Signature and Date- A parent, guardian, or another legal representative must sign the consent form for patients who cannot legally sign their own consent.
- Witness Signature and Date- A witness signature assures that the form was completed and signed appropriately.
- (Optional) Reader or Translator Statement and Signature- If the patient cannot read their form, this is where the reader or translator adds their oath and signature to show that the document was dutifully and accurately represented to the patient.
Legal Considerations: Crown or Bridge Consent Form
For crown or bridge treatments, obtaining consent requires careful consideration of the patient’s rights and legal obligations. Dental professionals must ensure they get informed consent and document it properly to protect themselves and their patients. A signed crown consent form signifies that the patient has asked questions, discussed, read, and understood what the procedure entails and the document’s significance. However, there are many legal considerations for these forms. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Documentation- Dental providers need to be able to document the patient’s consent form in writing for several different reasons. This includes making sure that all necessary information is included and that it’s appropriately signed by the patient giving their explicit consent for treatment. This documentation will also help protect you from legal claims if the situation arises.
- Competency- Competency and capacity are essential issues when it comes to consent forms. It is not legal for a person to make decisions on their own behalf if they are not competent or legally allowed to form contracts. A doctor will perform an assessment of the patient’s competence and capacity in order to determine if they can make a decision on their own behalf or if they need additional guidance.
- Liability and Malpractice- Obtaining informed consent is essential in protecting the dental care provider from liability and malpractice claims. If a patient claims they were not adequately informed or did not give permission, they may be held liable for any resulting harm.
- Informed Consent- Informed consent requires that patients fully understand the nature of procedures and risks before giving their approval. Taking the time to explain what is involved and answer questions will help. If necessary, use different terminology or visual aids.
- Revocation- Patients have the right to revoke their consent for treatment at any time. The dentist must respect a patient’s decision to withdraw their consent and document the revocation in their medical record.
- Privacy- Make sure that patient records are held in a locked container or password locked if they are digital copies.
FAQ
Making a high-quality crown consent form that adheres to professional and legal standards is easy with the proper knowledge and a professionally designed template. To help you make the most of your consent forms, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about crown procedures and their consent forms. Here we discuss dental codes, alternative treatments, and insurance issues, among other helpful facts.
Dental crowns are typically covered by dental insurance for up to five years. After five years, the crown may be subject to a deductible if it needs to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, the insurance company may cover the cost of a new crown if the old one is damaged beyond repair. It is essential to check with your insurance provider and ask about their specific coverage for dental crowns before making any decisions.
D2740 is a dental code used to report a full-coverage crown with porcelain or ceramic dental procedures. This dental code is typically used to refer to an esthetic crown, which is a crown that is constructed to appear cosmetically appealing. This type of crown may be used to restore teeth that have been damaged due to injury, decay, or other factors. The full-coverage crown will restore the tooth by completely covering it and protecting it from further damage or decay. Using porcelain or ceramic on the crown ensures it matches the surrounding teeth and provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Dental code D2799 is a procedure code for a provisional crown. A provisional crown is a temporary crown placed on a tooth while another dental treatment is provided prior to the placement of the final restoration. These provisional crowns are typically left in place for a period of six months or more. This code is used when billing for the placement of a temporary crown and is commonly used when further dental treatment needs to be done before the final restoration can be placed.
Dental code D2790 is a code used to describe a prosthetic crown. This type of crown is entirely constructed of high noble metal, such as gold or palladium, and covers the entire remaining portion of the tooth. It is used to restore teeth that have been severely damaged or decayed and is one of the most common types of dental restoration procedures.
The prosthetic crown is designed to match the shape and color of the existing natural tooth and is secured in place by being bonded to the surrounding teeth. This technique of bonding the prosthesis to the tooth is called “tooth-in-tooth” or “root canal tooth bonding” and involves the placement of a temporary dental adhesive.
Insurance does not usually cover crowns because they are considered cosmetic procedures. Insurance providers generally only cover medically necessary treatments; in most cases, crowns are not required for medical reasons. Additionally, insurance companies tend to view crowns as elective treatment, meaning they are done at the patient’s discretion and not necessarily the only option.
When it comes to dental care, a dental crown is often the most expensive option, while tooth removal is the least costly. However, several other alternatives can provide similar protection for your teeth and help to restore your smile. A dental filling is one of the most common and cost-effective alternatives to a dental crown. Fillings are used to repair damage caused by cavities, and they can be made from materials such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Fillings are typically much cheaper than crowns and can last up to 15 years with proper care.
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Another alternative to a dental crown is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic tooth that anchors to the remaining teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Bridges are relatively inexpensive and can last up to 20 years with proper care. Finally, a dental implant is another alternative for treating tooth loss. Dental implants use titanium screws inserted into empty spots in your jawbone, which are then covered by a synthetic bone (usually acrylic) once it heals. Dental implants provide strong support for bridgeless teeth and can last up to 40 years with proper care.
Disclaimer
This template of a dental crown consent form is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. The information contained in this document may not be applicable to your specific situation or circumstances. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or attorney before taking any action based on the contents of this template.
Final Thoughts
Dental crown consent forms are legal documents that patients sign when they agree to have a dental crown placed. These forms are necessary because they record the agreement between the patient and the dentist, ensuring that both parties are aware of the risks and benefits associated with dental crowns. The forms also provide legal protection for both the dentist and the patient, as they outline the details of the procedure and any potential complications. By signing the form, a patient indicates that they understand and accept any risks associated with the placement of a dental crown. Additionally, signing a consent form shows dentists obtained informed consent from their patients, which is essential to avoid malpractice lawsuits and any other liability associated with dental treatments. Using a dental crown consent form template will help ensure you collect and provide all the pertinent information.
