Parental Presence — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Agree the parent’s role in supporting the child and set expectations for their behaviour during treatment
The correct answer is D. SDCEP advocates a child- and family-centred approach: the parent/carer may be part of the treatment alliance, but the dental team should explain and agree how they can support the child without disrupting care. This may include setting ground rules for communication and behaviour. A blanket exclusion is not recommended; therefore B is incorrect. There is no UK rule restricting parental presence to children under a specified age, so C is incorrect. A liability waiver is not a requirement for parental presence, making D incorrect. The dentist retains professional responsibility for the clinical environment and behaviour-management plan; this cannot simply be delegated to the dental nurse, so E is incorrect.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, “Behaviour management” section, 2025, https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/helping-the-family/behaviour-management/