What legal protection do minors have concerning dental treatment?

Minors have special legal protections concerning dental treatment, particularly revolving around the requirement for parental consent. Typically, a minor is defined as a person under the age of 18, and because of their age and perceived inability to make fully informed decisions, they generally cannot consent to dental (or medical) treatment on their own. As such, for non-emergency procedures, it is standard practice for dental professionals to obtain informed consent from a parent or legal guardian before proceeding with any treatment.

This requirement is rooted in legal principles intended to protect minors from potential harm that could come from medical decisions made without appropriate adult guidance. In contrast, while minors can receive emergency treatment without consent, this does not extend to non-emergency situations, where parental involvement is necessary. Therefore, the correct answer recognizes that minors typically require this layer of legal protection for non-emergency dental procedures, ensuring both their welfare and the legal compliance of the dental practitioners.