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Glasses on book

Summer 2023

In this issue:

Fair and effective regulation requires clarity and consistency

Fighting fatigue and coping with stress

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Issue 25, Summer 2023

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Issue 25

Summer 2023

Glasses on book
Leader

Fair and effective regulation requires clarity and consistency

Loose ends in policy changes do dental professionals no favours in understanding their responsibilities, says DDU head John Makin.

Also in Summer 2023

In focus

Fighting fatigue and coping with stress

With more than eight in ten dental professionals saying that workplace pressures have increased in recent years, we look at some of the techniques...

In focus

Gestures of goodwill

The question of whether to reimburse an unhappy patient for treatment you've already provided can be a difficult one - and the answer isn't always...

In focus

Unconscious bias awareness for dental professionals

The DDU's Leo Briggs explains the importance of being aware of and challenging our implicit biases, and why every dental professional could benefit...

Case study

An inadvertent injury and a factual dispute

The DDU successfully defended a member whose account of an adverse incident differed from that offered by the patient in the subsequent claim.

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.

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

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

Cannula in hand

Feature

Sedation training requirements

Examining the new guidance on training in dental conscious sedation.

Career
Read more
Multi-coloured graphic of people on phones

Feature

Private messaging with patients

Most of us are familiar with instant or direct messaging through apps or social media - but is it an appropriate way to communicate with patients?

Communication
Read more
Passing the baton

News

Introducing John Makin and Leo Briggs

Dento-legal advisers John Makin and Leo Briggs will take over the helm of the DDU in January 2016.

Read more

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