Ask DPL

Dental Protection receives hundreds of enquires every week. As a service to members we publish some of the frequently asked questions on this page. This general advice may not always provide the complete answer in your own situation. Click here to request more information.

9 March 2010
Q. If a patient is under 16, who can consent to their treatment?
2 March 2010
Q. If a patient wants to come to our practice for hygiene treatment, but retain their own dentist to provide dental treatment, what is the best way to obtain a correct referral to me, the hygienist?
23 February 2010
Q. As a DCP, have experienced a couple of issues recently regarding infection control protocols in the practice. The senior partner says that he recognises the BDA infection control guidelines but that ‘guidelines' can be interpreted as he sees fit. Where do I stand here?
16 February 2010
My dentist has asked me to undertake tray bleaching for patients and has offered to train me. I haven't attended any courses or studied any theory on the subject. Would the GDC consider me competent?
9 February 2010
Q. A new patient arrives at the practice late on a Friday afternoon with a loose crown. There isn't a dentist available but the hygienist has completed the course for temporary dressing placement/ crown recementing. Should the hygienist treat the patient?
2 February 2010
Q. The dentist I work for is considering adding facial aesthetics to the list of services our practice offers to patients and wants me to train to use Botox and fillers. I am not sure that this is where I wanted to take my career. Where do I stand legally and ethically if I want to follow this up?
26 January 2010
Q. I have received a letter from the GDC advising me that my name has been removed from the GDC register for non-payment of my annual retention fee. I have been working without realising that my registration had lapsed and I have now requested a restoration form - is it ok to continue working in the meantime?
19 January 2010
I was breathalysed by the police banned from driving for one year. My conviction has been reported to the General Dental Council who have told me my fitness to practise is in question. What is now likely to happen?
12 January 2010
Q. I was unable to provide a current certificate of indemnity because I had let my subscription lapse and then forgot to renew the subscription. I have now been sent a letter from the GDC. What should I do?
5 January 2010
Q. A patient has requested their dental x-rays because they want to have dental treatment provided abroad where it is cheaper. Can I give them to the patient?
29 December 2009
Q. Are hygienists allowed to carry out power bleaching (with the use of light) and what proof of suitable training would be required to carry out this procedure?
22 December 2009
Q. Can I accept a father's consent on behalf of a 17-year-old patient with learning difficulties?
15 December 2009
Q. Can I refuse to treat an aggresive patient?
8 December 2009
Q. I asked to see a certificate of indemnity from a new associate that I want to employ. The dentist in question showed me a broker’s certificate for a policy backed by Lloyds but which had an excess of £5,000 for each claim. Is this valid?
1 December 2009
Q. Could a male hygienist be vulnerable to accusations of a sexual nature from females unless there is a dental nurse or a chaperone present?