Primary Tooth Caries — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric DentistryPrimary Tooth CariesORE Part 1

A 6-year-old child has an asymptomatic, restorable primary molar with proximal caries. A bitewing radiograph shows the lesion extending into dentine, with a clear band of sound dentine between the lesion and pulp. The tooth is not close to exfoliation. According to current UK guidance, which is the preferred management?

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Correct answer: A — Seal the lesion using the Hall Technique

The correct answer is A. This is an advanced proximal dentinal lesion in a primary molar, but the clear radiographic dentine band indicates separation from the pulp. SDCEP identifies sealing without caries removal using the Hall Technique as the preferred management for this presentation; selective caries removal and restoration is an alternative, but is not the preferred option asked for here. Monitoring alone is appropriate for an initial, non-dentinal lesion, not this established dentinal lesion. Non-restorative cavity control is an alternative when preferred treatment is not feasible, rather than first choice here. Pulpotomy is indicated for irreversible pulpitis or more significant pulpal involvement, and extraction is reserved for an unrestorable tooth, infection, or unsuitable prognosis.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, “Primary molars – proximal caries”, current web guidance, accessed July 2026. https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/caries-management-in-primary-teeth/primary-molars-proximal-caries/