Dr Raj Rattan, Dental Director, discusses how to effectively reflect on clinical practice and its importance for risk management.

When a patient complains, what are they trying to achieve – an apology, a remedy, an expression of sympathy or empathy, accountability or just revenge? Jane Merivale, head of policy and technical at Dental Protection, looks at when financial redress can be the correct course of action.

New data protection regulations came into force on 25 May and MPS is committed to fulfilling its legal obligations – correct redaction and anonymisation is one way that you can play your part in safeguarding data.

Associate dentolegal consultant Andrew Walker explains how you can reduce your risk of periodontal claims and complaints

We look at how the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) impact your dental practice.

Useful information for preparing for new GDPR

Protection for your elective starts here Whether you choose to stay in the UK or travel abroad for your elective, you’re in for an exciting and challenging time. This will be your first chance to exercise the skills and knowledge you’ve learned over the last few years, and to experience life in a new environment.

Where can I find out about current evidence and best practice which affect my work, premises, equipment and business?

Do I need to update the patient’s medical history on every appointment?

The GDC has very sensibly adopted the term 'valid consent' which helps to avoid the incorrect perception that giving patients information (informed consent) is sufficient to achieve a proper, valid consent. It isn't.

In business, it is always a good idea to ensure that people who are making a purchase are made aware of the costs involved before agreeing to go ahead. In this way, any misunderstanding about the price can be eliminated.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has stated that it intends to inspect approximately 10% of dental providers and that it will not apply ratings following inspections.

Receiving and acting on complaints: a summary of complaints, responses, correspondence and other relevant information identified must be provided to CQC within 28 days of a request.

The duty of candour, which was introduced by the government through Regulation 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, applies to dental practices from 1 April 2015.