ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the ethical and legal considerations that govern dentistry apply in childhood. Most dental care for children is carried out without difficulty and — perhaps contrary to adult expectations — children are very good dental patients. Childhood extends from infancy to adolescence. As childhood progresses a child becomes increasingly independent until adult maturity is reached. Dental problems are common and the two major plaque-related diseases, dental decay and gum disease can both start in childhood. Proper explanation plays an important part in patient management. For instance, in the study of consent in dental care children who had previously been uncooperative for dental treatment explained how being more involved helped them to be able to cope better. Occasionally a dentist may notice evidence of trauma to a child which raises a suspicion of physical abuse. Aggressive medical treatment may itself become abusive. Physical punishment such as smacking is never appropriate in the provision of healthcare.
