[Treatment of removable partial dentures. 1. Legislation, rules of conduct, care plan and treatment plan].

An invasive treatment, such as the treatment involving a removable partial denture, requires a well-structured approach. Regulations governing the communication between a healthcare professional and a patient in the Netherlands can be found in the Dutch Medical Treatment Act and the Rules of Conduct for Dentists of the Dutch Society for the Advancement of Dentistry (NMT). According to the regulations in these sources, a healthcare provider needs a patient's informed consent for any medical treatment and he is required to maintain a file of medical records. Consent should be based on efficacious communication and explanation of treatment options, risks and costs. With regard to the duty to maintain records, a care plan and a treatment plan are required for an invasive treatment. A standard structure and sequence of points for the care plan and the treatment plan will reduce the risk of overlooking essential issues.