2. Options a human being can choose

Consent needs a real choice

GDC Standards require you to explain options, risks, benefits, and what happens if they do nothing. “Sign here, I am running late” is not consent. Legal and Ethical covers capacity and the process. This lesson is the planning habit: at least two realistic paths, including a simpler one.

Language

“We could watch it, fill it, root-treat it, or take it out. Watching it means it may start to hurt. Taking it out means a gap.” Then stop talking. Check what they heard. Write the discussion in the notes.

Money without shame

If a private option exists, say so without pressuring. If NHS banding or local rules limit what you can offer, say that too. Hidden extras after the appointment are how complaints start.

Children and anxious adults

The plan must fit the person in the chair. A textbook molar-incisor plan that needs six visits of rubber dam on a terrified eight-year-old is not clever. Prevention, silver diamine fluoride where appropriate and permitted, extractions, or referral may be the honest plan. Related: Prevention and Brief Advice.