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COVID-19 has created a worrying and challenging time for healthcare practitioners who are providing frontline services and advice to patients.

In partnership with the South African Dental Association (SADA), Dental Protection is launching a brand-new set of online seminars – Dental Protection Live.

The three-part series will provide some advice and support around a host of different dentolegal queries and complaints, along with information on ethics and the law during COVID-19 and the lockdown. Each session will have a different focus and be presented by a range of leading dental and legal experts.

These online seminars will equip you with the tools to practise in confidence with a range of new skills to help you face the current situation.

Online seminars

Tuesday 23 June 2020, 20.00 – Dentistry, but not quite as we know it

Dr Alasdair McKelvie, Head of Dental Services – Southern Africa, Dental Protection and Athol Gordon, Partner, Clyde & Co

Overview: We will explore some of the legal and ethical challenges facing dentists as services resume during the easing of the lockdown restrictions.

Dr Alasdair McKelvie, together with Athol Gordon, will discuss the concept of reasonableness in relation to consent and litigation where treatment options have been limited, and explore the potential consequences if COVID-19 transmission is suspected in the treatment environment.

KC Makhubele, CEO of SADA, will open the session and facilitate questions. Online delegates will have the opportunity to join in with the Q&A.

Learning outcomes

After attending this online seminar, delegates will:

  • Understand how limitations and restrictions on treatment impact on the consent process and how to reduce your risk.
  • Have a clear understanding of the benefits and risks of new professional guidance on infection control and treatment protocols during levels of restriction.
  • Appreciate the legal and ethical consequences of negligently permitting virus transmission within the dental setting.

Book your place now


Thursday 25 June 2020, 20.00 – Dental Protection in South Africa: A new chapter

Ulundi Behrtel, Head of Delivery Service – South Africa, MPS, and Graham Craig, Regional Business Development Lead, MPS.

Overview: Dental Protection members have asked for a local service and we have responded. Ulundi Behrtel was recently appointed as Head of Service Delivery for MPS in March 2020, and Graham Craig was appointed as Regional Business Development Lead in January 2020. 

These new appointments, and the development of an in-country case handling resource, brings us closer to our members in South Africa.

During this online seminar, Ulundi will explain her plans for the delivery of this case handling service and some of the challenges we face as an indemnity provider.

The session will also touch on issues around vicarious liability and contracts between practice owners and the dentists who work for them.

KC Makhubele, CEO of SADA will open the session and Dr Alasdair McKelvie will facilitate questions during the live Q&A.

Learning outcomes

After attending this online seminar, delegates will have:

  • A better understanding of the case delivery service provision for Dental Protection in South Africa.
  • An increased understanding of vicarious liability and the importance of having a properly worded contract for service.

Book your place now


Tuesday 30 June 2020, 20.00 – Back to Basics: Communicating with patients and lessons from lockdown

Dr Jacobus Barnard, Dental Mediator at SADA and Risk Prevention Faculty Presenter at Dental Protection

Overview: This session will demonstrate, through the use of real case studies, how occasionally members of the profession fail to meet the requirements of the regulator.

Dr Jacobus Barnard will highlight the most common predisposing factors leading to patient complaints and how these can be prevented by simply getting the basics right.

Learning outcomes

After attending this online seminar, delegates will:

  • Understand the most common issues leading to patient complaints against dentists.
  • Understand how excellent communication is necessary to prevent patient complaints.
  • Encourage dentists to do the basics right when interacting with their patients.

KC Makhubele, CEO of SADA will open the session and Dr Alasdair McKelvie will facilitate questions during the live Q&A.

Book your place now