Q1. My Commanding Officer and I have recently disagreed on a number of treatment plans I have formulated. I have adopted a conservative policy in my treatment planning which in some circumstances is considered to be inappropriate?
You must remember that a soldier's responsibility is to ensure that they are fit for battle and you have the responsibility to ensure that when in battle they are unlikely to suffer from dental problems. You should be guided by your Commanding Officer and by the protocols set out in the Defence Dental Services Clinical Governance Programme. It is likely that any definitive treatment carried out, such as the extraction of a tooth, would ultimately be in your patient's/soldier's best interests.
Q2. I am the subject of a Court Martial because my dental nurse reported that there was a failure of cross infection control within my surgery. I vehemently deny these allegations and I believe the nurse who reported me has done so for personal reasons. Will Dental Protection assist?
This is a case where your professional reputation is being impugned and if found against you the Courts Martial could run inivitably to a GDC Conduct Hearing. Dental Protection would provide assistance and representation for you through our legal team at the Courts Martial. Similarly if the case is reported to the GDC, Dental Protection would provide the necessary assistance and support at the Hearing, which could involve the instruction of a solicitor and barrister should the matter be referred to a Professional Conduct Hearing.