2025, issue 31

Assessing capacity to consent

Leo Briggs deputy head of the DDU
ByLeo Briggs
Published18 August 2025
Having covered the principles of consent in our last issue, we turn to one of its key applications in practice – how to assess capacity to consent.

It is very important that the patient understands both the short and long-term consequences of their decision.

ad label

Assessing capacity to consent Ad 1

...like adult patients, the ability of any child to consent will depend on the complexity of the decision you're asking them to make.

This page was correct at publication on 18/08/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Leo Briggs
Deputy head of the DDU

Leo Briggs qualified from University College Hospital, London, in 1989. He has worked extensively in the community dental service including a brief period overseas. He has also worked in general dental practice. Leo gained a masters degree in periodontology from the Eastman in 1995 and is on the GDC specialist register for periodontics. From 1995-2017 he provided specialist periodontal treatment in both the salaried dental services and private practice. He started working for the DDU in 2005. Between 2007 and 2009 he worked part time at the DDU and part time as a clinical tutor at the School for Professionals Complementary to Dentistry in Portsmouth. In 2009 Leo went full time with the DDU. In January 2016 he became deputy head of the DDU.

Assessing capacity to consent