Your Rights as a Patient During Dental Treatment
Information, consent, access to records, second opinion — what you are entitled to demand and how to protect yourself when something is not right.
Contents of this guide
Your Fundamental Rights as a Patient
These rights are enshrined in law for every patient in Austria
Right to Information
Clear and comprehensible information about diagnosis, treatment options, risks, and alternatives — before every procedure.
Right to Self-Determination
Free decision for or against a treatment without pressure or coercion.
Right to a Second Opinion
Unrestricted opportunity to seek an additional expert opinion.
Right to Access Records
Full access to your patient file, findings, and X-rays.
Right to Data Protection
Protection of your personal and medical data in accordance with the GDPR.
Right to Complain
Ability to involve the patient ombudsman or Dental Chamber in the event of problems.
Legal Basis
These rights are anchored in the Austrian Patient Rights Act, the Patient Charter, and the GDPR. They apply to all dental treatments — whether covered by public health insurance or private.
The Dentist's Duty to Inform
What must be explained to you before every treatment
The dentist is obliged to inform you about the following points:
Important to Know
Information must be provided in good time — not just when you are already in the treatment chair. For major procedures such as implants, the information should be given at least 24 hours beforehand so that you have sufficient time to consider your decision.
Informed Consent — Your Agreement Counts
No treatment may be carried out without your express consent. For major procedures, this consent must be given in writing. You have the right to ask questions at any time and to refuse or withdraw your consent.
Your Right to a Treatment and Cost Plan
Required by law for private services and major treatments
What a treatment and cost plan must contain:
In Writing
Verbal assurances are not sufficient
Before Start
Not only once treatment has begun
Binding
Subsequent increases only with consent
Our Practice Standard
At IIDZ, you receive a detailed written treatment and cost plan before every major procedure. You have ample time to review it, ask questions, and seek a second opinion if you wish.
Your Right to a Second Opinion
Unrestricted and without explanation — for any planned treatment
When is a second opinion advisable?
- For major procedures (implants, root canal treatments)
- For high costs or unclear cost estimates
- If you feel pressured
- If you are uncertain about the recommended therapy
What you will need
- Copy of your X-rays/CBCT scans
- Previous findings and diagnoses
- The treatment and cost plan you received
- Your questions and concerns
No Need to Worry About Refusal
No reputable dentist will hold it against you if you wish to seek a second opinion. On the contrary: if the work is of high quality, the diagnosis will be confirmed; if there are errors, you protect yourself from unnecessary procedures or costs.
What to Do in Case of Problems or Suspected Errors?
Your steps and contact points in Vienna and Austria
Recommended procedure for complaints:
Request your patient file
Request your complete documentation in writing — this is your right.
Seek an independent second opinion
Have the findings assessed by another dentist.
Contact the patient ombudsman
Free and independent advice for complaints.
Consider legal steps if necessary
The patient ombudsman can assist with mediation.
Contact points in Vienna and Austria:
Vienna Patient and Nursing Ombudsman (WPPA)
Independent advice and mediation for complaints
Dental Chamber for Vienna
Professional regulatory matters and conciliation
Patient Ombudsman Austria
Nationwide contact point for patient rights
Checklist: What should be clarified in advance?
Tap an item to check it off.
Häufige Fragen (FAQ)
Further Guides
Clinical Partner
Consultation at Smile4Life
For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.
Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.