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Summer 2024

In this issue:

How I dealt with a clinical negligence claim

A new government, but familiar challenges

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Issue 28, Summer 2024

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Issue 28

Summer 2024

Man facing down storm clouds
Main feature

How I dealt with a clinical negligence claim

A DDU member describes facing a claim that went to court – a process that ended up taking several years.

Also in Summer 2024

In focus

A new government, but familiar challenges

What conversations should the new government have at the forefront of its mind when considering the needs of dental professionals?

Leader

Practising what we preach

The new government has a daunting to-do list if it is to turn things around for dental professionals and patients, says DDU head John Makin.

In focus

Supporting colleagues in general dental practice

Loneliness and isolation in general practice can be a real issue, especially for newer colleagues - but help is often at hand.

In focus

Left-right discrimination and laterality errors in dentistry

Despite being something most clinicians might take for granted, laterality-based decisions can still cause confusion - as Prof. Gerry Gormley...

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
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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

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