It is important that you should be aware that the Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS) was not created to protect you or your professional interests. The CIS was established to ensure that patients, who are harmed as a result of substandard care in public hospitals/clinics, are compensated. Complaints to the Irish Dental Council, general patient complaints and disciplinary hearings are all daunting prospects for any dentist but unfortunately these situations have become increasingly common.

It is also important to know that if you are working in a general practice setting, or as a private practitioner, the CIS won’t cover you for the financial consequences of a claim for clinical negligence.

Although a contribution to the cost of clinical negligence cases accounts for a significant part of the membership fee, most of our annual caseload is actually concerned with assisting dental members with other legal and ethical issues.

As a dental member of MPS, you will have access to dento-legal support and assistance provided by Dental Protection.

Benefits include:

• 247 emergency telephone advice helpline
• Specialist legal advice and representation (for situations not supported by the CIS)
• Handling complaints
• Media and press relations
• Gardai investigations arising from the provision of clinical care.

Dentists working in Ireland hardly need to be told that it is a litigious environment in which to practise. Being a member of a defence organisation brings the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have experienced, professional colleagues to help and advise you on any dento-legal problem, and from knowing that the world's largest team of specialists in this field will be on your side, to protect and support you when it matters most.

This support is given by fellow dentists who really understand your problems and who can empathise with your feelings. They in turn are supported by a team of Irish lawyers who specialise in this field and with whom Dental Protection works closely on cases, on a day-to-day basis. It is a winning combination that no other organisation can rival.

We are committed to helping you avoid problems and provide the best care for your patients. Using our wealth of knowledge and experience we have developed a range of risk management resources to help reduce your exposure to complaints and claims.