A few years ago in the Houston Chronicle, State Representative Sarah Davis shared her views on the role of government in health care: As a proud Republican, I believe the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored. Personal freedom and limited government […]
informed consent
Lack of Informed Consent Is the Real Ripoff
We’ve all seen those articles that promise to tell you all about how your dentist might be “ripping you off.” Most of them include a more or less dire warning against dentists who recommend getting your mercury amalgam “silver” fillings replaced. It’s a standard topic point, courtesy of the ADA and dentists who aren’t yet […]
Informed Consent Can Be Lacking When It Comes to Mercury in Your Dental Work
Can your zip code determine your dental choices? According to Charlie Brown of Consumers for Dental Choice, the answer is a resounding yes. Especially if you live in Connecticut. Last week, Charlie stood on the steps of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to bring attention to the fact that low income Medicaid […]
More Thoughts on the Patient’s Right of Self-Decision
If we were going to brag a little big on our patients, we’d have to say that they’re exceptional. They’re informed – and committed to staying informed so they can make wise health choices in line with their attitudes, values and beliefs. Acting on their right to make those choices, they take responsibility for their […]
The Patient’s Right of Self-Decision
In our experience, parents usually spend a lot of time researching the pros and cons of vaccination before deciding whether to opt out of some or all of the currently recommended vaccines. They consider the scientific evidence challenging the status quo. They talk with their family physician. They talk with other parents. They weigh their […]
Most Americans Agree: You Shouldn’t Call Them “Silver” Fillings
Talk about a “Golden Delicious apple,” and everyone understands that the name refers to the fruit’s color, not its composition. Talk about “ruby red grapefruit,” and the situation’s the same. Talk about “silver fillings,” though, and things get a little more complicated. After all, a metal like gold or a precious stone like a ruby […]