Who provides consent for dental treatment for a child with Down syndrome who cannot consent for themselves?

Correct answer: A. Legal guardian

• A. Correct. The legal guardian is the appropriate person to provide informed consent for a patient who cannot consent for themselves. While the mother is often the legal guardian, the legal designation determines consent authority.
• B. The mother may or may not be the legal guardian — custody and guardianship can be separate from biological parenthood.
• C. Other family members cannot provide consent unless they are designated as legal guardian.
• D. A child who lacks capacity cannot provide legally valid consent for themselves.