Treatment refusal is a common encounter in clinical practice. The process of deciding to refuse treatment is often complex. It is our responsibility to try and understand this process of decision making and the underlying reasons for treatment refusal. Many of these reasons are often rational in the context where the decision is made. The patients could be making the best decision for themselves even if these decisions are not necessarily the best in our mind. We should at all times discuss our treatment options and assess their ability to make decisions in achieving common goals. These goals should balance our best treatment strategies and the patients’ best interest. This article discusses the reasons underlying treatment refusal and how we can achieve a common goal with our patients.
Patients ; decision ; Treatment Refusal ; therapeutic aspects ; treatment options

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Data on the epidemiology and history of cannabis in PNG are presented. The adverse health consequences of cannabis smoking and treatment options for cannabis dependence are discussed. It is recommended that a range of strategies are urgently required in PNG to prevent adverse physical and mental health consequences associated with cannabis smoking.
Cannabis ; Papua New Guinea ; Smoking ; Study of epidemiology ; treatment options

Supernumerary tooth (ST) is a developmental anomaly and has been argued to arise from multiple etiologies. These teeth may remain embedded in the alveolar bone or can erupt into the oral cavity. When it remains embedded, it may cause disturbance to the developing teeth. The erupted supernumerary tooth might cause aesthetic and/or functional problems especially if it is situated in the maxillary anterior region. A case of supernumerary teeth is presented where the teeth have been left in place and which later gave rise to some problems. The patient had history of trauma and requested orthodontic treatment for the misalignment of his anterior teeth. The treatment options are further discussed.
Tooth ; Tooth, Supernumerary ; treatment options ; Places ; Skeletal bone