AIM: the objective of this study was to investigate the opinion of the Brazilian orthodontist about the patient x professional problematic in relation to: 1) the importance of the commercial relation established by the CDC (Consumer's Defense Code); 2) the obligatory nature of its orthodontic services; 3) the explanations to the patient of the inherent risks to the orthodontic treatment. METHODS: for such, a statistical census through a questionnaire was carried through the orthodontists of Brazil duly enrolled in the Federal Council of Dentistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1.469 orthodontists participated of the research (27.43% in relation to the searched universe). It was verified that 86.93% of the Brazilian orthodontists recognize the importance of the commercial relation with the patient, in accordance with the CDC; 35.33% of the professionals consider the Orthodontics as an way activity, this is, the orthodontic treatment procedure without professional promisse about the final results and 63.31% guides the patients on the risks of the orthodontic treatment, in verbal and writing form. It was concluded that the Brazilian orthodontist is conscientious of the importance of the CDC in the established commercial relation with the patient, the final consumer. However, only one minority of the orthodontists of Brazil (20.97%), besides considering important this commercial relation, understands the orthodontic activity as a way obligation and keeps the patient informed, in verbal form and with the proper registers, of the risks of a orthodontic treatment.
Consumer's Defense Code; The obligatory nature; Brazilian orthodontist; Civil responsibility
