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INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RENEWAL

Setting subscriptions to meet members’ needs

As a member-owned, not-for-profit organisation, we have an obligation to price responsibly; taking decisions that not only best support members’ needs today, but also provide them with peace of mind for the future.

The long term cost of clinical negligence in South Africa remains concerning. For example, over the 10-year period from 2006 to 2016, the HPCSA has seen a 35% increase in the total number of complaints filed. Cases relating to HPCSA proceedings can be lengthy, complex in nature, and increasingly expensive to defend.

The year-on-year rises in the cost of non-claims related assistance continues to negatively impact membership subscriptions.

Our approach is always one of sustainability

As it is often several years between an incident happening and the resolution of a case, we must set subscription rates that reflect the full spectrum of costs in delivering services to members, as well as collect sufficient funds to meet the costs of assistance that could arise in the future. This is to ensure that we are here to protect you against the potentially harmful costs of litigation, as well as the other challenges you might face throughout your career.

We do not compromise on our defence, advisory and risk management services.  This would be the easy cost-cutting response but it is not the right way forward in terms of delivering the service and quality of support that our members need and expect from us.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  • Q
    I never have a claim yet my subscription continues to rise. Am I subsidising dentists who continue to provide poor treatment?
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    30 November 2016

    As a member of a mutual organisation, your risk experience is pooled with peers working within the same area of practice in South Africa.

    However, we proactively work with members whose claims experience is higher than their peers, to reduce their risk and when necessary, pay a subscription in that reflects their level of risk.
  • Q
    If I have state-indemnity do I still need Dental Protection membership too?
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    30 November 2016
    State indemnity will only cover the financial consequences of a claim for clinical negligence. The purpose of state indemnity is to ensure public patients are compensated if they suffer harm, rather than protect you or your professional interests.
  • Q
    Does requesting advice affect my annual membership subscription rate?
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    30 November 2016

    Dental Protection does not, and never has, used the number of telephone calls from a member seeking advice as part of its risk assessment of a member.

    The number of advice calls does not have any impact on the subscription rate that you are asked to pay.

    We actively encourage you to contact us for advice to provide peace of mind and to help prevent a concern or problem escalating.
  • Q
    Is there any way I can reduce my subscription?
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    30 November 2016

    We have made a number of changes in recent years which could affect the subscription you pay.

    It is important that you ensure your current subscription is correct for the work you are doing – if not, you may be paying too much, or alternatively, you may not have the necessary level of protection in place.
  • Q
    How much profit does Dental Protection make?
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    30 November 2016

    We are a non-profit, mutual organisation.

    We exist purely for the benefit of our members. There are no dividends to be paid to shareholders and all subscriptions are used for the benefit of the membership.

    As a mutual organisation, we have a long-term commitment to support members throughout their career, not a short-term requirement to generate profits.
  • Q
    How are my subscriptions used?
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    30 November 2016

    Every Rand of the membership subscriptions we charge is used to meet members’ needs.

    We act in the interests of both individuals and the membership as a whole; taking decisions that best support their needs and provide security for the future.

    Your subscription pays for a wide range of membership benefits which you, as a member, can access if and when you should ever need them.

    These can include the right to request assistance with complaints and claims*, access to unrivalled dentolegal expertise and advice, free risk management and professional development workshops, and renowned dentolegal publications and newsletters.

    * Indemnity against claims does not apply to state-indemnified members.
  • Q
    Are subscription rates calculated on the risk in South Africa or all the countries you operate in?
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    30 November 2016
    The membership subscriptions you pay are used to service members’ needs in South Africa, not just this year, but for your whole career.
  • Q
    Why has my subscription increased this year?
    +
    30 November 2016

    The costs for providing assistance, support, and other member benefits continue to increase.

    As a not-for profit organisation, we must charge a price that fairly reflects all the costs incurred.

    Your subscription pays for a wide range of membership benefits which you, as a member, can access if and when you should ever need them.

    These can include the right to request assistance with complaints and claims*, access to unrivalled dentolegal expertise and advice, free risk management and professional development workshops, and renowned dentolegal publications and newsletters.

    * Indemnity against claims does not apply to state-indemnified members.

These questions represent some of the common membership queries. If the answer is not here then please contact SADA or Dental Protection directly and we will be pleased to answer your questions.