A child arrives at the clinic accompanied by an adult who is NOT the legal guardian. In which situation may the dentist proceed WITHOUT the consent of the legal representative?

Correct answer: D. Replantation of an avulsed permanent tooth

• A. Prophylaxis is elective preventive care and requires guardian consent.
• B. Restorative treatment of caries is not time-critical and requires proper consent.
• C. Radiographs are elective diagnostic procedures involving ionising radiation — guardian consent is required.
• D. Correct. This is the EMERGENCY DOCTRINE (implied consent). An avulsed permanent tooth is genuinely time-critical — periodontal ligament cells begin dying within 15–30 minutes of extra-oral dry time, so delay causes permanent, irreversible harm. Emergency care necessary to prevent serious harm may proceed while reasonable efforts are made to reach the guardian.