Patient behavior and legal rights in dental and medical care

Recent discussions in the medical field highlight evolving patient behaviors and the legal boundaries surrounding them. A systematic review published in 2025 in ‘BMC Oral Health’ by researchers from the Technical University of Berlin analyzed 233 publications across 49 countries regarding why patients decline dental treatment. While direct costs are a significant barrier, other factors include dental anxiety, communication issues with staff, and a lack of understanding regarding diagnoses or proposed procedures.

Simultaneously, the practice of patients recording medical or dental visits is increasing. Legal experts note that recording a visit is generally legal and falls under a patient’s right to information regarding their health status and treatment methods. However, legal complications arise if recordings are made covertly or if the footage is published without the practitioner's consent, which may violate the doctor's right to image protection. The Patient Rights Ombudsman indicates that medical professionals cannot refuse service simply because a patient is recording.