Frequently Asked Questions

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Has the HSC Board approach to assurance of NHS claims changed?

Yes. Guidance issued by the DHSSPSNI in November 2011 confirmed the replacement of the post-payment claim to record checks with probity outlier assessment checks. This will be based on quarterly reports from BSO probity which are then acted upon by HSCB dental advisers.  An initial sample of ten record cards will then be requested for compliance with agreed standards. Full details of the process for targeted and random probity assurance can be found at here

How long should I keep my records for?

According to Regulation 21 of the Independent Health Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 specifies the arrangements for the maintenance of patient records and other records specified in Schedule 3 of the regulations. The regulations also advise records should be kept up to date, available for inspection at all times and retained for a period of not less than three years from the date of the last entry.

Dentists registered with RQIA are required to keep clinical records for a minimum period of not less than three years.

Following an amendment of the Health and Personal Social Services GDS (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 all NHS treatment records should be retained for 6 years

For more information, click here to read DPL's guidance on record keeping in the UK

Q. With the new NHS contract in England, there is no longer an NHS disciplinary process. Is it the same in Northern Ireland?

Dentists working under the GDS in Northern Ireland still work under the ‘old style' contract where there is provision for a Health Board to refer a matter for disciplinary investigation.

Click here for further information on the disicplinary process in Northern Ireland.

Q. Where can I find out more about the complaints procedures that was introduced in April 2009?

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has a website for patients who might be unhappy with the care or treatment received from the Health and Social Care service in Northern Ireland. The HSC complaints process is fully documented online.

You can also download ‘Complaints in Health and Social Care: Standards and Guidelines for Resolution and Learning' from the HSC website.

Q. If I have a complaint from a patient or I am being sued, do I need to travel to Dental Protection’s Leeds or London office to discuss the case with the dento-legal adviser?

Dental Protection has a dedicated team of DLAs who deal with cases in Northern Ireland and who visit Belfast on a regular basis. The DLAs visit Belfast on a regular basis to meet with members, the meetings normally taking place at our solicitors' offices in the centre of Belfast. Our DLAs also provide a number of risk management lectures to dentists and dental students in Northern Ireland.