ASPECTOS ÉTICOS E LEGAIS DA SEPARAÇÃO ENTRE O PACIENTE ODONTOLÓGICO E SEU ACOMPANHANTE – REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Abstract

The use of behavior management techniques are frequently debated in the dental field. The presence/absence of legal guardians in the room during the patient’s treatment is simple and challenging. The increased desire of parents to remain in the operatory room during the procedure brings ethical and legal discussions. The proposed literature review was based on “Pediatric Dentistry”, “Child Behavior” and“Parents” descriptors and its synonyms, in the Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO and Scopus databases over the last 5 years. The results showed divergences in the establishment of a rule to be followed. Some studies point out that caregivers’ presence throughout dental appointments represents an important emotional support for patients, resulting in a better management of behavior. However, the separation technique can offer benefits by consolidating the professional-patient relationship. Advantages and disadvantages observed in the permanence of caregivers mediated by ethical (Code of Dental Ethics) and legal aspects (Civil Law Code, Statute of the Child and Adolescent, and Code of Consumer Defense and Protection), scientific literature points out that most parents and children express their desire of not being separated during a dental procedure. Regardless of selecting the most advantageous technique, the incorporation of guardians in the clinical decision, with complementation of the Informed Consent, to share responsibilities and brings legitimacy to the conduct of choice.