Assessing Mental Capacity to Make a Decision
PanelMediumEthics · 6 minSelf-marked
How to use this: start the timer and answer the question out loud (or type it). Then grade yourself 0–3 on each skill with a note of your evidence — exactly as our examiners do. Hit Reveal benchmark & score to see what a model answer scores and how you compare. Everything saves to your browser automatically.
Answer timer
6:00/ 6 min suggested
1
Answer the question
Assessing Mental Capacity to Make a Decision
Does the patient have mental capacity to make this decision?
Likely follow-ups
1
What are the four components of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 test?
2
Who is responsible for assessing capacity in a dental setting?
3
What happens if a patient lacks capacity?
Your answer
Speak it out loud and we'll type it for you (free), or type your own notes — then mark yourself below.
Resources & frameworks
- Four pillars: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice.
- Name the conflict → weigh both sides → gather more info → safe, patient-centred action.
What strong answers doReveal the benchmark
Hidden so they don't bias your answer. Score yourself first, then reveal them to compare.
- Apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 -- capacity is decision-specific and time-specific; always assume capacity unless there is evidence to the contrary.
- Outline the two-stage test: functional impairment AND inability to understand, retain, use/weigh information or communicate a decision.
- Discuss best interests decisions and the role of family, lasting power of attorney, and the Court of Protection.
2
Mark yourself
Score each skill against the rubric, then add a line of evidence. Scale:
0Not shown1Limited2Good3Excellent
Quick mark:Completion: 0%
Law Knowledge
0/3Should reference the Mental Capacity Act 2005 accurately
Ethical Awareness
0/3Should demonstrate understanding of autonomy and best interests
Critical Thinking
0/3Applies the test logically to the scenario
Patient Safety
0/3Recognises the importance of protecting vulnerable patients
3
Reflect & score
What would you change next time?
Your overall score / 10
Total: 0/12(Core 0/6 • Extra 0/6 • Score 0/10)
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