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2025, issue 2

In this issue:

Assessing capacity to consent

Analysing DCP member claims

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Issue 31, 2025, issue 2

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Issue 31

2025, issue 2

Illustration of two hands pulling scrambled threads from a silhouette of a human head
In focus

Assessing capacity to consent

Having covered the principles of consent in our last issue, we turn to one of its key applications in practice – how to assess capacity to consent.

Also in 2025, issue 2

Claims analysis

Analysing DCP member claims

We looked at claims involving hygienists and therapists to understand the risk factors and issues these members face – as well as how to manage them.

News

New clinical education and CPD from Red Whale – free for DDU dentists

We've teamed up with leading healthcare education providers Red Whale to offer access to free learning resources on clinical dental topics.

In focus

Subject access requests and data shared with defence organisations

An SAR can sometimes involve patient information shared with your defence organisation. Here’s our advice on what to include - and what to redact.

Case study

Allegation of erroneous extraction

A member received a claim alleging they had extracted a patient's molar unnecessarily, and turned to the DDU for help.

Read the issue in full

Popular articles

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X-ray of painful wisdom tooth

Feature

Reducing litigation risk when removing wisdom teeth

Dr Keith Smith discusses some of the causes of negligence claims relating to wisdom tooth extraction.

Complaints Managing incidents Being sued
Read more
Silhouette of woman with storm clouds above head

Interview

False allegations left me in the wilderness

A senior GDP describes her descent into purgatory after a fellow dental professional made a vexatious complaint to NHS England - and how she fought back with support from the DDU.

Complaints Managing incidents Health and wellbeing
Read more
Broken vase with flowers

In focus

What to do when things go wrong

No-one looks forward to dealing with an adverse incident, but the reality is they do happen. So here's our quick three-step plan for starting to put things right.

Managing incidents Complaints Communication
Read more
See more

Recommended reads

Overcoming barriers to communication - handshake graphic

In focus

Overcoming barriers to communication

Effective communication is an essential part of the practice of dentistry. It can help improve both clinician and patient satisfaction and also help reduce the risk of complaints.

Communication
Lightbulbs going off in head

Feature

Clearing up the confusion: direct access and scope of practice

We address the concerns and confusion over hygienists and therapists treating patients under direct access.

Prescribing GDC Law

Key advice

See more
Untidy stack of documents

Feature

Good record-keeping

They are the basis for effective patient care and have an important dento-legal purpose - but what makes good dental records, and what else do dental professionals need to consider?

Records and reports
Read more
Thumbs up and down logos

Feature

Dealing with dental complaints

Complaints are common, and it's vital to know how to manage them professionally and appropriately. Read our concise but comprehensive guide.

Complaints Communication
Read more
Pieces of broken china on the floor

Feature

Responding to adverse incidents

Pausing to reflect when something goes wrong can lessen the risk of history repeating itself. We explain how to respond to an adverse incident, ensuring patients are supported and lessons are learned.

Complaints Managing incidents
Read more
See more

Other Topics

  • Career
  • Managing incidents
  • Being sued
  • View all topics
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