Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of valid consent?

Valid consent in dental practice requires that the patient or their legal guardian gives permission for a specific treatment after being adequately informed about what that treatment entails, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.

The requirement that consent must be informed ensures that the patient understands the nature and purpose of the proposed treatment. Specific consent means that the agreement pertains to a particular treatment rather than being vague or blanket approval. Additionally, consent must be obtained from the patient, or if they are unable to provide it, from a guardian who has the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf.

The option regarding consent being given by the dentist does not align with the principles of valid consent. The dentist is responsible for providing information and facilitating the consent process, but they are not the ones providing consent for treatments. Instead, the authority of consent lies with the patient or their guardian, ensuring their autonomy and decision-making rights in their own healthcare.