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Spring 2023

In this issue:

Having conversations around discrimination

Dento-legal dilemmas and CPD

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Issue 24, Spring 2023

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Issue 24

Spring 2023

Symbol of wheelchair user surrounded by non-wheelchair users
In focus

Having conversations around discrimination

Dental practices are expected to make reasonable adjustments to their premises and procedures to try and ensure all patients have access to care.

Also in Spring 2023

News

Dento-legal dilemmas and CPD

Read our advice and how we've helped members in a wide range of situations to earn free CPD from these case studies.

Leader

How can we relieve the pressure on dental professionals?

Patients deserve prompt and fair resolution in the event of a problem - but so too do dental professionals, argues John Makin, head of the DDU.

In focus

Records after retirement

Dento-legal issues can still raise their heads after you retire, with records being one area that can generate questions for some time after you...

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.

Read the issue in full

Popular articles

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Close-up of tooth pulp model

Feature

Dento-legal considerations for endodontic treatment complications

Understanding the risks surrounding endodontic treatment - and how to manage them - can help minimise the potential for complications encountered by both patients and dental professionals. CPD available.

Managing incidents Communication Prescribing
Read more
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
Hygienist at work

In focus

Scope of practice for hygienists and therapists

Hygienists and therapists have a vital role in providing comprehensive patient care, so it's also vital to ensure appropriate levels of training, indemnity and competence.

Law GDC
Read more
See more

Recommended reads

Cyclist heading into the distance

Leader

Start with the end in mind

With so much of dental practice resting on making the right choices, it helps to keep your decision-making destination in your sights, says DDU head John Makin.

Complaints
Person holding umbrella looking at stormy sea

Interview

Coping with a complaint

One DDU member talks us through the shock and stress of receiving their first complaint, as well as how we were able to support them through it.

Complaints

Earn CPD

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
Elderly patient with tooth pain

Feature

Managing patients with dementia - CPD available

The dental health of people with dementia can become secondary to other considerations. But the dental team can make a vital contribution to patients' quality of life, as Christine Osborne explains.

Communication Consent Prescribing
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

Most viewed articles

Stack of papers in in-tray

Leader

Dentist neglect must end

The DDU has some urgent items for the health secretary's in-tray, says John Makin.

Law GDC
Read more
Scanner in dental surgery

In focus

Appropriate use of tests and investigations

Members report complaints and claims to us for all sorts of reasons, and common among them are allegations of unnecessary or inappropriate investigations and treatment.

Prescribing Consent
Read more
Illustration of tooth being examined

Case study

Allegation of permanent nerve damage

A DDU member's case shows how important independent expert evidence can be to successfully defending a claim.

Being sued
Read more

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