Bioethics in dentistry: patient autonomy in teaching clinics

Abstract

This article analyzes the respect for patient autonomy in dental teaching clinics as perceived by professors and students. Data were obtained by means of individual interviews and focus groups with senior students, teachers interviews and participant observation in two public state universities. Results showed that care provision at the analyzed educational institutions oftentimes does not include respect for patient autonomy. The observed professional training reproduces the hegemonic technicist education and is informed by a paternalistic physician-patient relation that contributes to a constant and undesirable violation of patient rights.