Selective Caries Removal Definition — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Clear the cavity periphery to hard dentine and retain soft dentine pulpally
Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E
The correct answer is A. Selective removal to soft dentine involves removing carious tissue at the enamel-dentine junction and lateral cavity walls until hard dentine is reached, so that a durable bonded marginal seal can be achieved. In a deep lesion, soft carious dentine may deliberately remain on the pulpal floor to reduce the risk of pulpal exposure. B describes a different endpoint at the cavity periphery: firm dentine is not the intended peripheral substrate. C is non-selective/complete caries removal and increases exposure risk. D is incorrect because the enamel-dentine junction must be cleared. E leaves an inadequate peripheral substrate for an effective seal.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, “Selective caries removal”, 3rd edition, February 2025. https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/dental-techniques/selective-caries-removal/