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Membership information 1800 444 542
Dentolegal advice 1800 444 542

Ceasing practice

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?
03 September 2014

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Returning to work after cessation of practice

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?
03 September 2014

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Overseas applicants

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?
03 September 2014

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Amending your policy

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Defined practice and procedures

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Renewal

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

New member enquiries / obtaining a quote

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Payment options

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Public liability insurance

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Students and new graduates

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

CPD

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

Case history and your premiums

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

General enquiries

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints

If I refund the patient’s fees, am I admitting liability and risking a future claim?

Sep 3, 2014, 09:10 AM
Anchor:

There is often a degree of hesitation before any dentist proposes this course of action. Admitting to yourself that a particular treatment didn't achieve exactly what was intended can take a moment to accept. However, there is a common misconception that giving a refund to a patient should be avoided because it implies there has been a problem. In certain circumstances where the patient is disappointed with the look or the comfort of the final result (eg, dentures that the patient cannot wear or the degree of whiteness achieved with bleaching) dentists can give the patient a refund. This can often resolve difficult situations and avoid further hassle. Provided the refund is given with a clear indication, preferably in writing, that it is ‘a gesture of goodwill with no admission of liability’, it is unlikely to increase the risk of any further action and does not provide any additional grounds on which the patient might base a claim.

Members might like to explore this further by reading our advice booklet on handling complaints
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DPL Australia Pty Ltd (“DPLA”) is registered in Australia with ABN 24 092 695 933. DPLA is part of the Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) group of companies. MPS is registered in England (No. 00036142) with its registered office at Level 19, The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG. All the benefits of MPS membership are discretionary, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

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