OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the legal actions and behavior in the doctor/patient relationship, as used by Dental Surgeons practicing Orthodontics. METHODS: the population sample of the present study consisted of dental surgeons, active in the area of Orthodontics, and registered with Editora Dental Press - Maringá/PR, with a total sample size of 525 professionals. The research was conducted using a 17-question survey geared to these professionals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: the majority of participants in our study are specialized in Orthodontics; 75% of professionals use some sort of contract at the office/clinic; 73.7% of professionals periodically request maintenance x-rays; a large percentage of professionals (58.9%) keep patient records on file for life. The surveyed professionals demonstrate good knowledge of the Code of Ethics in Orthodontics, especially of Chapter XIV - on Communication.
Professional practice; Liability, legal; Orthodontics; Enacted statutes
