What is the meaning of autonomy in a dental context?

In a dental context, autonomy refers to self-governance, which indicates a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own dental care. This principle is fundamental in healthcare; it stresses the importance of respecting a patient’s preferences, values, and choices regarding treatment options. When patients have autonomy, they are empowered to understand their health conditions and the implications of different dental procedures, allowing them to give informed consent or make choices that align with their personal health goals.

While concepts like self-management, patient independence, and self-reliance all imply some level of personal responsibility and decision-making, they do not fully capture the essence of autonomy in the healthcare system. Autonomy encompasses the broader idea of individuals having control over their own treatment and being actively involved in their care, which aligns closely with the definition of self-governance.