First Dental Visit — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyDental Public Health & EpidemiologyFirst Dental VisitORE Part 1

An 8-month-old child attends with a parent because their first primary tooth is erupting. According to current UK guidance, when should the child have their first dental visit?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — At the time the first primary tooth appears

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

The correct answer is A. NHS guidance advises taking a child to the dentist when the first milk teeth appear, or before 12 months of age. As this child’s first primary tooth is erupting now, the visit should be arranged now rather than deferred until their first birthday. The initial visit permits preventive advice, early identification of oral disease and familiarisation with dental attendance. B is an outer time limit, not the best answer for this specific child. C and D delay preventive assessment beyond the recommended period. E is incorrect because cooperation is not required: an early visit is valuable even if a full examination cannot yet be completed.

Reference: NHS, "Children's teeth" (section: "Taking your child to the dentist"), current page accessed July 2026: https://www.nhs.uk/Live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/taking-care-of-childrens-teeth/