3. Stage it, then know the stop-point

Urgent, control, elective

Drain infection and control pain first. Stabilise disease (caries, periodontal) before pretty dentistry. Elective cosmetics wait. Foundation dentists get into trouble by starting a crown on a tooth that still has untreated periodontal disease and an undiagnosed sinus.

One irreversible step at a time

If endodontics is uncertain, do not cut a full coverage prep “to see.” Temporary measures exist. Review. Ask your educational supervisor before you burn bridges.

The stop-point

Write it in the plan: “If canals are not negotiable I will stop, dress, and we will discuss extraction or referral.” Patients cope better with a named fork in the road than with surprise failure.

Review the plan

Mouths change. A plan from March is not a contract to ignore a new lesion in July. Re-examine, do not just continue the old list.

Foundation-specific

If the case needs a skill you do not have yet, the plan is “learn with supervision” or “refer,” not silent overconfidence. That is the same standard as Working as a Foundation Dentist.

Always follow current GDC Standards on consent and communication.