A 5-year-old child needs dental treatment. From whom should informed consent be obtained?

Correct answer: C. The parent or legal guardian (minors cannot legally consent to medical/dental treatment)

• A. A 5-year-old lacks legal capacity to consent — the child's agreement ('assent') is sought but not legally sufficient.
• B. While engaging the child is good practice, the LEGAL requirement is parental consent.
• C. Correct. Minors (under 18 in most jurisdictions) CANNOT legally provide informed consent for medical/dental treatment. Consent must be obtained from the PARENT or LEGAL GUARDIAN. However, ASSENT from the child (explaining what will happen in age-appropriate terms and seeking their cooperation) is encouraged as good practice and ethically appropriate.
• D. Dental procedures on minors absolutely require consent from the parent or legal guardian.