Who can give valid consent for a minor's dental treatment?

Valid consent for a minor's dental treatment must be provided by a guardian or parent. Minors are generally considered to lack the legal capacity to make fully informed decisions regarding their health care, including dental treatment, due to their age and maturity. This legal framework is designed to ensure that a responsible adult, who is typically a parent or legal guardian, can evaluate the proposed treatment options, understand the potential risks and benefits, and make choices that are in the best interest of the child’s health.

In many jurisdictions, a guardian or parent can provide informed consent after discussing the treatment with the dental care provider, including any alternatives available. This safeguards the well-being of the minor by ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully, often involving both the minor's expressed wishes and the guardian's oversight.

The other options do not align with legal and ethical standards. While the dentist certainly plays a crucial role in the treatment decision-making process, they cannot unilaterally provide consent for a minor. The patient alone, being a minor, lacks the capacity to give valid consent. Similarly, a sibling does not have the legal authority to give consent on behalf of a minor. Therefore, the responsibility lies with the guardian or parent to ensure that the consent is valid and that the minor