1 July 2010
Children’s fillings instruction could cause problems for dentists, warns Dental Protection. In response to the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) recent communication to dentists in the Sligo-Leitrim community care area on deciduous fillings for otherwise healthy children, Kevin Lewis, Director of Dental Protection comments;
“Dentists have an ethical duty to safeguard their patients’ health and ensure that all necessary treatment is made available to them.”
“DPL is concerned when any dentist finds themselves in a situation where they cannot adequately treat their patients due to a lack of resources. Our concern is that this particular policy statement could create an ethical dilemma for dentists; since acting in the best interests of their patients could prove to be contrary to HSE’s instruction.”
“Following enquiries raised by members, we sought expert advice about the implications of HSE’s decisions. The report we received suggests that the policy rationale is inconsistent with contemporary clinical practice.”
“Not providing treatment for patients nor making them aware of other options, this could result in complaints to or claims by patients against the HSE. This in turn, could compromise the dentist’s professional position, possibly resulting in disciplinary action.”
Dental Protection recommends that any member facing such an ethical dilemma should contact them for advice.
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