Hospital Services

There are various problems which can face a dentist working in a hospital environment. For many years hospital consultants down to house officers had some degree of immunity to complaints. Times have now changed and dentists, like any other professional person, are seen by patients as accountable for their acts and omissions, even although a patient's complaint or claim may be directed towards the Trust or Health Board.

Clinical governance has an increasing role to play in hospital medicine and dentistry and from time to time Dental Protection is asked to assist members who are accused of under-performing. This can be a very worrying time for any member who may feel professionally isolated when they are the subject of an investigation by the Trust, National Clinical Assessment Service (NCAS) or the GDC.

Dental Protection's dento-legal advisers have considerable experience in dealing with such situations and are always available to assist or represent a member either personally or, if necessary, by a member of DPL's extensive legal team.

In the past Dental Protection has successfully challenged Trusts and Health Boards up and down the country over their reluctance to allow legal representation at a Trust disciplinary procedure, especially when the allegations are of a serious nature. Dental Protection's view is that when a member's livelihood is at stake then all steps should be taken to protect that member's position and reputation.