There are many moments in clinical dentistry when the most crucial aspect of case management is not what you do, but what arrangements you make to monitor the effectiveness of what you do.

Unlike many other areas of healthcare, dentists generally get to examine fit ambulant patients at varying intervals, and at times when they may have no symptoms or any particular reason for attending, other than for a periodic review of their oral health.

A clinician’s specialised knowledge of the aetiology of various oral and dental conditions places him, or her, in a position of significant advantage relative to most patients.

If you are planning to work overseas, we want to ensure you are properly prepared so that you can make the most of your experience.

As a dental professional, you have a duty to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.

Dental Protection has called on the Government to implement a package of legal reforms to help tackle the rising cost of clinical negligence, and the challenging claims environment for dentists.

A highly intensive interpersonal skills training programme which greatly enhances dentist-patient communication and creates significant behavioural and attitudinal change.

Dental Protection has welcomed the General Dental Council’s (GDC) commitment to provide greater clarity on how and when it will use its formal Fitness to Practise enforcement powers as a solution to managing serious risk to patients.

Associate Dentolegal Adviser Simrit Ryatt explains the help Dental Protection can offer when you receive a letter of complaint.

Associate Dentolegal Adviser Simrit Ryatt outlines the key components of a response to letter of complaint. She offers tips on the wording of your letter to maintain a professional and effective relationship with the patient making the complaint.

Receiving a letter of complaint from a patient can often come as a shock, and can be a stressful and difficult time for a dental professional.

In addition to several references in the press to “dirty dentists” this is the month that the case of Dr D’Mello returned to the GDC. More importantly, when the case is reported in the national press it has the potential to suggest that dental surgeries may not be safe or that cross - infection standards have been disregarded. One way to avoid such suspicion is to share your infection control routines with your patients at an early stage when they first come for treatment; adopt an “open house” policy.

Find out why you need to put your reasons in writing, and be clear and focused on why the relationship needs to end. Read our advice booklet on Ending Professional Relationships

Learn why this raises important questions about confidentiality, and your duty of care towards other family members, in particular, children.

Dr Jane Merivale, Senior Dentolegal Adviser at Dental Protection, explains why discussion around ending a relationship should always be couched in terms of the best interests of the patient.