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Gillick Competence — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateBehavioural Sciences & EthicsGillick CompetenceORE Part 1

A 15-year-old new patient attends alone with severe pain from a non-restorable tooth and requests extraction under local anaesthetic. Following an explanation of the options, risks and benefits, the patient demonstrates sufficient maturity and understanding to make the decision. What is the most appropriate course of action?

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Correct answer: B — Provide treatment after obtaining and documenting the patient's consent

**A is correct.** A patient under 16 who has sufficient maturity and understanding to comprehend the proposed treatment can give valid consent under the Gillick principle. Here, the patient has understood the options, risks and benefits of extraction and is therefore able to consent; the dentist should ensure consent is voluntary, undertake appropriate clinical assessment, and document the discussion and decision. A parent’s presence, verbal permission or written note is not automatically required. **B** and **C** wrongly impose parental consent as a prerequisite. **D** is incorrect because funding arrangements do not determine capacity or consent. **E** wrongly treats all patients under 18 as requiring parental consent; the relevant issue for a 15-year-old is individual competence, not age alone.

Reference: General Dental Council, Standards for the Dental Team, Principle 3: Obtain valid consent, current, https://standards.gdc-uk.org/pages/principle3/principle3