This is a fictional dilemma compiled from the DDU's files.
The scene
Our member had had a successful year providing limited treatment orthodontics to a number of patients registered at the practice. The company that supplied the orthodontic appliances had noticed her high volume of work, and had offered her an all-expenses-paid luxury weekend retreat at a renowned spa hotel as a token of their appreciation.
While the thought of a relaxing weekend away seemed tempting, the member was conflicted. She knew the importance of maintaining professional ethics, and wanted to confirm her suspicions that this offer could be seen as a conflict of interests.
The DDU's advice
The member spoke to a dento-legal adviser, who reassured her that she was right to seek advice on the issue.
The adviser began by explaining the General Dental Council's (GDC) guidelines on accepting gifts, payments, and hospitality. Section 1.7.5 of its 'Standards for the dental team' states that, "You must refuse any gifts, payments or hospitality if accepting them could affect, or could appear to affect, your professional judgment."
While it may seem harmless to accept a gesture of appreciation, the key issue is whether the gift could influence the dentist's decisions in the future, or be perceived by others as having done so.
The DDU's adviser highlighted that the GDC's guidance is clear in stressing the importance of maintaining objectivity and impartiality in all professional interactions, and asked the dentist to consider whether accepting the weekend retreat might be seen as compromising her professional integrity, even if she does not feel personally influenced.
Even if the member didn’t feel any personal bias or preference toward the supplier’s products, others might not share the same perspective.
By accepting a gift from a supplier that benefits from her business, there would be a potential perception of a conflict of interest. This could lead to patients or other providers questioning whether her treatment recommendations are genuinely in the patients' best interests, or if they are swayed by the incentives provided by the company.
The adviser also pointed out the importance of maintaining transparency. Even if the member didn't feel any personal bias or preference toward the supplier's products, others might not share the same perspective.
By refusing the gift, the dentist could make sure that her professional objectivity couldn't be questioned, and she would be able to maintain the trust of her patients and colleagues.
The outcome
After discussing the issue with the DDU's adviser, the member decided not to take the supplier up on their offer.
She recognised that despite its allure, the gift could compromise her professional standing and the trust she had built up with patients, accepting the DDU's advice that dentists should always consider how their actions might be viewed by others, and to err on the side of caution when it comes to ethical concerns.