A mother is angry because her son's teeth were pigmented after SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) treatment. What was overlooked by the dentist?

Correct answer: A. Consent form / informed consent

• A. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) causes PERMANENT BLACK STAINING of arrested carious lesions — this is a well-known and predictable side effect. Before applying SDF, the dentist MUST obtain informed consent from the parent/guardian, explaining that the teeth will turn black. The black staining is NOT reversible. Failing to disclose this in the consent process is an informed consent violation and a breach of the autonomy principle.
• B. Antibiotics have no role in SDF application. The issue is informed consent about staining.
• C. SDF application is within a general dentist's scope. The oversight was informed consent regarding the expected permanent black discoloration.
• D. While radiographs are generally recommended before treatment, the specific omission in this case is the failure to warn about permanent staining — an informed consent issue.