What to Do if You’re Under GDC Investigation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 27, 2025

Learn the best tips to handle a GDC investigation professionally and wisely with our step-by-step guide for dental professionals in the UK.

Table of contents:

1. Introduction

1. • Rising GDC Complaints in 2024
   • Emotional and Professional Impact on Dentists
   • Importance of Preparation and Awareness
2. Step #1 – Understand the Process of GDC Investigation
   • Common Triggers for Investigation
   • Allegations: What They Could Involve
3. Step #2 – Understanding the Stages of a GDC Investigation
   • Initial Complaint
   • Case Assessment
   • Case Examiner Review
   • Possibility of Case Being Dropped or Settled
4. Step #3 – Contact Your Dental Defence Society Immediately
   • Importance of Legal Support
   • Key Do’s and Don’ts When Responding
   • Gathering and Sharing Evidence
5. Step #4 – Stay Calm, Stay Professional
   • Managing Emotions and Communications
   • Avoiding Premature or Public Responses
6. Step #5 – Prepare for a Hearing (If Applicable)
   • What to Expect at a GDC Hearing
   • Hearing Process and Participants
   • Sanction Outcomes and Legal Preparation
7. Step #6 – Reflect and Learn
   • Post-Investigation Reflection
   • Importance of CPD and Preventative Measures
8. GDC Investigation – The Bottom Line
   • Key Takeaways
   • Reassurance and Support Options

 Keep Calm & Carry On: Your Step-by-Step Guide to GDC Investigation

With UK dentists working within an ever increasing environment of scrutiny, the threat of a GDC investigation is never too far away.

Take last year as an example…

In 2024, 1400 new complaints were received by the GDC an 8% increase on the previous year. While 88% of those cases were resolved before progressing to a full blown practice committee hearing, the very act of being under investigation has led many dentists to reconsider their careers, with some even suggesting the process triggered serious mental health issues.

In truth, the likelihood of a dental professional being investigated by the GDC is more probable now than it was a decade ago, so it’s important you know what to do in case it happens to you.

With this in mind, here is a step by step guide to help you through the process.

Step #1 Understand the Process of GDC Investigation. Why Am I Being Investigated?

First things first! It’s important to know the ‘why’s’ before fixing the ‘what’s’. Having a good grasp of why you’re being investigated allows you to better prepare for the outcome. Some of the common triggers for GDC investigation include:

• Either from patients or colleagues involving factors like subpar clinical care, confidentiality breaches, misconduct and even sexual assault.
• Compromising the privacy and protocols of the dental profession. Bringing the dental profession into disrepute.

Once you fully understand the allegations and why you’re under investigation, you can take steps to move forward with the case.

Step #2. Understanding the stages of a GDC Investigation

 Here’s the good news, if you happen to be formally contacted by the GDC, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically be hauled up in front of a review board. On the contrary, only 12% of cases progress to a full blown committee hearing. The majority, around 88% of investigations, are settled across the following stages:

• Initial complaint
• Case assessment
• Case examiner’s work

At any of the above stages, the GDC can decide to drop the investigation, settle the investigation or pursue it further. Only, when the investigation has not been dropped, or settled, is it likely to go to a possible hearing. Essentially, what we’re saying is that if you are contacted by the GDC regarding an impending investigation, it isn’t the end of the world, although it may seem like it at the time.

That said, there is a protocol that you should follow which includes the following:

Step #3. Contact Your Dental Defence Society Immediately

Don’t respond to any allegations on your own without consulting a defence organisation or seeking legal help.

Yes, the GDC letter may have caught you off guard; and yes, you probably had no clue it was coming. But as a rule of thumb always contact your legal representative. Here are some key point:

• Never ignore the complaint, the problem isn’t likely to go away. When the GDC become involved, they have to take some form of action so a ‘head in the sand’ approach will do more harm than good.
• Do send your defence organisation or representative all correspondence relating to your allegation. This could be dental records (digital and physical), timelines of events, key documentation etc. If in doubt, send everything you have and let your legal support team be the judge of what’s relevant.
• Do stick to timelines. The GDC will want all details by a certain deadline so it’s imperative to adhere to it.

Step #4. Keep Calm, Stay Professional

However angry, upset or disappointed you are with the situation, avoid firing off emotional replies or detailed explanations early on, silence is your best approach. Reaching out to the complainant at this stage is likely to do more harm than good. Instead, try to carry on as normal and let the defence team handle all communications for you.

As a top tip, If you feel you need to say something, you can always draft a response stating you’ll only correspond once the GDC process is complete.

You should also avoid discussing the matter on social media or with colleagues to prevent complicating matters.

Step# 5. Prepare for a Hearing, if it reaches this stage

If you are among the 12% of GDC investigations that do reach this stage, don’t panic. Look at it as the time to share your side of the story or say your part. At this stage, the GDC will normally ask for your observations. Make sure that you plan and draft a response to this with the help of your legal advisors and indemnifiers.

So what happens during a CDC investigation? Who’s present and what’s discussed?

• Hearings are run by the GDC’s hearing services with 3 independent panellists known as practice committees.
• There are two stages to a hearing. The factual enquiry, where all the allegations are set out and evidence for both parties is provided; and the findings and sanctions stage, where conclusions and sanctions (if any) are placed.
• Witnesses may include patients, NHS staff, practice managers, experts, or GDC staff and the respondent’s witnesses.
• All witness statements are drafted by the GDC and once signed they can’t be changed. Only additional statements can be added. The dental professional’s legal team will receive a copy of these witness statements, known as the disclosure.
• When deciding what sanctions to impose, the Practice Hearing Committee will always consider the least restrictive sanctions first before moving on to more serious sanctions like suspension or erasure.

Your support team should prepare you with prior coaching and they will talk you through all the potential outcomes of the trial so, you know exactly what to expect. The possible outcomes could include.

• Warnings
• Conditions
• Suspensions
• Erasure
• No action

Hearings are usually heard at the GDC main office in Wimpole Street, London, and can take up to 4-5 days to conclude.

Step #6. Reflect and Learn

Understandably, after the GDC investigation, you’ll want to put the whole ordeal behind you. However, despite the outcome, even if you’re cleared of the charges, it’s important to absorb the key takeaways. Look at why the complaint was made and implement steps or changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Changes may include:

• Better or more thorough documentation procedures
• Increased communication between colleagues
• More frequent due diligence checks
• Increased staff training
• Case reviews, what could be done better/improved for the patient?

Reflective practice and CPD are crucial, and your legal team should also be able to guide you on how to implement those safeguards to prevent future issues.

GDC Investigation The Bottom Line

GDC complaints are unlikely to be the end of your career unless the accusation or complaint is extremely serious. In reality, being under investigation is something that can happen to any dental professional at any time so it pays to know what you can expect and the key steps you need to take.

Remember, being contacted by the authorities for a GDC investigation does NOT mean that you’re guilty. It simply means that your work is going to be reviewed, that’s all.

If you are currently under GDC investigation or have just received a complaint the good news is that you don’t have to face the situation alone. Contact the Dental Defence Society and let our highly experienced legal team take it from there. We’re here for you when you need us most!

UK Dental Indemnity: DDOs vs. Dental Insurance Provider

Aug 20, 2025

Learn about the pros and cons of DDOs and dental insurance providers for UK dental indemnity and find out which is right for you.

Table of contents

Introduction

• The importance of dental indemnity in protecting dentists and patients.
• Why understanding your indemnity options matters.

What Is Dental Indemnity?

• Definition and purpose.
• Legal and financial protections it offers.
• GDC requirements for UK dental professionals.

Medical Defence Organisations (DDOs)

• Overview and how DDOs function.
• Key features of DDO indemnity.
• Benefits of DDO-based cover.
• Drawbacks and limitations.

Dental Insurance Providers

• How contractual indemnity insurance works.
• Key features of insurance providers.
• Benefits of fixed contractual cover.
• Drawbacks and limitations.

DDOs vs. Insurance Providers: Comparison Table

• Side-by-side feature comparison: cover type, support, cost, flexibility, etc.

How to Choose the Right Provider

• Key questions to assess your needs.
• Factors to consider: NHS vs private work, career stage, risk level, cost.
• The value of legal advice and personalised support.
• Consideration of hybrid indemnity approaches.

Final Thoughts

• Summary of takeaways.
• Importance of annual policy reviews.
• Encouragement to seek expert advice.

How to Choose Between DDOs vs. Dental Insurance Providers for UK Dental Indemnity

Dentistry directly impacts a patient’s smile, appearance and oral health leaving this branch of healthcare vulnerable to subjective opinions and feedback. As such, insurance is there to provide the ultimate safeguard. When things go awry in real practice, dental indemnity is there to protect both the patient and the dentist.

In the UK, dental indemnity is either provided by dental defence organisations (DDOs) or dental insurance providers. Today we’ll discuss the pros, cons, and differences in both, so you can choose what’s best for your needs.

What Is Dental Indemnity?

Dental indemnity is a type of insurance that protects dental professionals from financial losses if and when a claim or lawsuit is made. Typically, indemnity covers legal fees and expenses as well as compensation payouts should a claimant be successful. In a nutshell, dental indemnity is a safety net for dental professionals, protecting them against potential legal issues that may arise during their working life.

Here’s the important part…

Every dentist in the UK, to register or renew, must declare that they have or will have dental indemnity or insurance.

• This declaration applies annually for DCPs, it is in June/July, and for dentists, in November/December.
• This cover can be personal or employer provided, but all details must be accessible to the GDC.
• To note, you’re responsible for ensuring that the type of cover you avail suits your scope of practice.

Essentially, the right cover should provide the following criteria…

• Relevant legal cover: Protection against lawsuits, treatment disputes, or negligence claims if and when applicable.
• Financial safeguard: Indemnity insurance covers court fees and compensation, keeping your finances and your peace of mind intact.

Now we know what dental indemnity is, let’s compare Insurance provided by DDOs vs. insurance offered by other companies.

Firstly, Dental Defence Organisations (DDOs). What You Need to Know

DDOs are membership based indemnity providers that also offer support and guidance on how to best prevent, navigate, defend, and cover claims of negligence and malpractice.

Key features include:

• Discretionary cover:  Dentists have the right to request that the DDO use its discretion and settle any claims on their behalf. The DDO has the choice of whether to agree to that request or not. 
• Access to experienced dento-legal advisors:  DDOs will typically provide full legal support whenever you need it.
• Versatility: Because DDOs are well versed in the legalities of clinical healthcare, they can also assist with GDC complaints, legal claims, coroner’s inquests and much more.

So what about the benefits?

  The advantages include:

• Long-term, professional focused support

• Trusted: Because DDOs are industry specific providers, most doctors and dentists trust them.

• Tailored indemnity policies:There are no one size fits all policies. Instead, all dental indemnities can be individualised and tailored to the client’s specific and/or professional requirements.

• Full and ongoing support: You get their full support and guidance throughout a claim, giving you peace of mind.

What about the drawbacks of dental indemnity purchased via an DDO?

• Discretionary indemnity: DDOs have the right to refuse to assist. While this is extremely rare, it can happen.

• Less predictability than contractual insurance: Because of complete flexibility, annual costs of dental indemnity can differ greatly from one client to another.
• Unregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): They are not subject to the same level of inspection or scrutiny as those offered by insurance companies.

Dental Insurance Providers – As an Alternative

A contractual dental indemnity insurance provider, on the other hand, offers fixed policies or plans. These plans are intended to cover most aspects of legal dental practice.

Key features include:

• Contractual cover: Where you sign a fixed contract specifying the features of the dental indemnity coverage.
• More predictable coverage terms: Insurance providers are monitored by the FCA. Thus, claims coverage is not discretionary.
• May offer wider business related protections: Some insurance providers also offer wider protection plans.

What about the benefits?

Insurance providers offer the following advantages:

• A legally binding contract: With specified terms and policies governed by strict FCA scrutiny.
• You know exactly what you’re getting : All terms and conditions are specified upfront.

And the drawbacks?

• They may not offer ongoing, extensive GDC/regulatory support and advice: Dental care professionals (DCPs) often end up personally seeking advice from other legal advisors.

• Policies can be ‘impersonal’ and rigid: Offering little flexibility, a policy might not incorporate every possible scenario a dental professional needs.
• They can be more expensive: Owing to their larger overheads and goals to earn profits.

DDOs vs. Dental Insurance Provider – A Comparison  

Here is a quick recap of how they differ:

DDOs vs. Dental Insurance Providers. Which Is Best for You?

Choosing the right dental indemnity provider is critical for dentists and dental care professionals practising in the UK. So, here’s a quick checklist to tick when planning your indemnity coverage:

• What kind of work do you do (NHS or private): Each setting comes with its own risk exposure and policy requirements.
• Change of scene: Your professional journey in dentistry will change with time. Thus, regular checks and updates are essential. Incorrect insurer information can invalidate your policy, reducing or eliminating claim pay. Overinsured dentists pay higher premiums than necessary.
• Background and risk assessment: Study the treatment options you offer, patient base, and complaint history when assessing risk. Higher-risk treatments or places may necessitate greater coverage.
• Aptitude for discretionary vs. contractual insurance: Choose based on how much certainty you want in a crisis.
• The importance of personalised dento-legal counselling: Access to expert advice tailored to you is always a win. It can make or break a legal response.
• Financial plan: Balance your budget with the amount of coverage you need. Skimping now may cost much more later if a claim is filed.
• What about a hybrid approach? Some dentists use both for broader protection. This may give you the peace of mind of a layer of additional advice and support.

 Final Thoughts 

Hopefully, this has given you a better idea of the key differences between dental indemnity provided by an DDO and one offered by a regular insurance provider. The good news is that there is no right or wrong answer, provided you choose wisely, as both options can offer strong protection.

If you’re still unsure, it pays to seek advice from experts in the dento-legal landscape like the team at Dental Defence Society. We can help you review the terms annually, read the fine print and understand your provider’s scope.

Are you looking to review and learn more about current indemnity arrangements? Feel free to book a consultation or comparison review with us. We’re eager to hear your indemnity experiences and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

AI and Dental Practice: The Boom, The Blunder and the Blame Game

Aug 13, 2025

AI and Dental Practice: The Boom, The Blunder and the Blame Game

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing everything from the way we drive to how we write and even to the way we fix teeth. Speaking of teeth, the last decade has seen tectonic changes in dental operations, largely due to digital dentistry specifically, dental AI.

So, why is AI popular in dentistry?

Because of its multifaceted use across key areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient engagement, AI is a huge asset for dentists but in the same breath, it can also become a liability when misused. To put this into perspective, a 2024 study published in the British Dental Journal, asked the question of whether UK dentistry was ready to embrace the AI revolution. The answer was yes. However, on a granular level, accountability and liability concerns emerged that need to be addressed.

Before we dive into those concerns, let’s talk about the benefits…

How exactly does dental AI help in everyday practice?

Dentists routinely use dental AI for:

• Smarter diagnostics – Analysing X-rays and 3D scans to detect cavities, cancer, and other issues accurately.
• Better treatment planning – Helping create personalised treatment plans by analysing patient data.
• Effortless scheduling – Managing appointments, reducing no-shows and optimising clinic output.
• Enhanced patient engagement – Chatbots provide instant responses, improving communication and satisfaction.

For the patient, this means:

• Increased chances of a correct diagnosis, early
•  Customised treatment plans to better suit the individual
•  Less chance of appointment hiccups – Patients get seen quicker
•  Improved patient engagement for greater satisfaction

So, what are the key concerns when implementing dental AI?  

Some of the potential pitfalls with dental AI include:

• Algorithm bias – If the AI model is geared towards non-randomised data, it can lead to unfair treatment outcomes, particularly across different racial or ethnic groups.
• Integration challenges – Implementing AI into dental practices can be complex, needing time, training, investments and compatibility with existing systems. This may lead to an initial disruption of practice, loss of data and delay in administrative tasks.
• Data privacy risks – AI relies on large amounts of patient data, raising concerns about security and the risk of data breaches.
• Overdependence on AI – Overuse of AI can lead to dependency and loss of compassionate care.
• Diagnostic mistakes – AI isn’t perfect; errors in diagnosis or treatment recommendations can occur, especially without proper verification.
• Ethical and legal uncertainty – Questions around AI transparency, patient consent, and liability in malpractice cases can prove complex and as a result may remain unresolved.

So, Who’s Accountable?

What we’re really talking about here is liability.  In almost all cases dentists are expected to verify AI recommendations before relying on them. If a patient is harmed due to the dentist’s failure to double-check AI’s output, the dentist will likely bear most or all of the legal responsibility. Here are some key guidelines….

Professional liability

If an AI tool generates incorrect information and the dentist fails to identify as incorrect information, the dentist will be held solely responsible for dental malpractice or negligence.

Shared liability

Liability may be shared between AI developers, manufacturers, and dentists if an AI system misdiagnoses a condition due to a flawed algorithm. In this case, both the creators and the dentist could be held responsible depending on any contract agreements that are in place.

The Institution’s Role

Could the dental clinic or hospital be held responsible for implementing and using faulty AI software? Yes, if they fail to ensure that AI systems are properly tested or adequately train staff on how to use them, they will most likely share liability. Currently, most legal systems hold the human practitioner responsible for AI errors meaning the dentist is still on the hook. But, as AI becomes more autonomous, legal frameworks will need to evolve.

But what about other issues?

Data Privacy Concerns

One of the key concerns about AI is that it relies heavily on patient data, making privacy protection crucial. Here are some guidelines…

Any third-party AI system handling patient data requires a business associate agreement. Dental AI manufacturers and buyers (dentists) must ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in UK and Europe and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States of America. Dentists must also inform patients when AI is used in their treatment, ensuring transparency and consent. Dental clinics should also comply with data privacy requirements, such as the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) in the UK and EU, by getting the patient’s informed consent and protecting their data against possible breaches.

So, those are the risks… now it’s time to talk about how we can protect ourselves as dentists while embracing everything good about AI in the dental industry.

Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Accountability

To reduce the possibility of AI-related dental malpractices, clinic owners should follow these tips:

Regulatory compliance

For EU dental practices, several regulations impact the use of AI in dentistry: So it pays to become familiar with these. They include:

• GDPR Compliance – All dental offices must follow the basics of GDPR when using sensitive patient data with AI tools. This includes using only the necessary information, restricting access, defining the purpose of use, etc. As a practice owner, it’s important to strengthen cybersecurity measures to help keep patient data secure.
• Proposed AI Act – The AI Act classifies AI-powered tools in dentistry as high-risk, requiring strict monitoring, transparency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Transparency Requirements – Dental clinics should be able to demonstrate how AI impacts patient care and decision-making to meet EU transparency and accountability standards.
• Worker Consultations – EU laws mandate employee involvement in AI adoption, ensuring compliance and encouraging collaboration in dental practices. Dentists, assistants, hygienists, receptionists, clinic managers and dental technicians must understand how AI tools work to avoid potential malpractice errors.
• Cross-border data transfers – Dental practices operating in multiple EU countries should follow strict regulations to protect patient data when transferring it across borders.

Training and upskilling

Ensure every member of the dental team is familiar with AI uses and outputs. For instance, clinic managers and receptionists must understand the intricacies of AI appointment scheduling, AI receptionists answering phone calls, or streamlining billing procedures.

Thoughtful integration

This is by far the most critical tip—ask yourself how and why you want to add AI to your practice.  Carefully consider your AI integration strategy. Involve IT professionals from the beginning and ensure compatibility and easy integration with existing systems to reduce interruption and chances of errors.

Close monitoring

Treat AI as an advisory tool ONLY. Regularly compare AI-generated insights to traditional diagnostic procedures and professional judgement. Set up protocols for human intervention if AI systems detect strange patterns or abnormalities.

Clarify boundaries, ethical and legal guidelines

Create and follow ethical rules for AI use, ensuring transparency with patients about AI engagement in their care. Don’t forget to obtain informed consent that expressly addresses AI use.

Seek guidance where necessary

Consult with legal specialists and dental advisors to establish clear liability limitations for your practice. Establishing AI-specific standards, such as decision-making and documentation, can help to clarify obligations and decrease legal uncertainty.

AI in Dental As a Takeaway

The key to avoiding an AI-induced lawsuit is all about balance. In other words, the synchronisation of the human and machine elements so that both can co-exist for better patient care. Until rules and regulations regarding its use are clearer and more specific, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume that the buck of responsibility stops with the dentist— the ultimate caregivers of their patients.

If you are new to clinical practice and are using AI for the first time, a seasoned pro looking to integrate AI diagnostic tools into your business or someone who has faced mismatched judgements with AI, feel free to consult us at DDS. Let us help you through your AI journey.

Debunking Legal Myths – Things Every Dentist Should Know

Aug 4, 2025

Debunking Legal Myths in Dentistry—What You Know vs What You Must Know

Dentistry is a highly regulated world.

With bodies such as the General Dental Council (GDC), clinical practice is so much more than patient treatments and management. Practising dentistry within legal and ethical boundaries is what truly defines your clinical expertise and success. Yet,  legal myths and misconceptions abound, leaving many dental professionals vulnerable to unnecessary risks. Believing that complaints always lead to legal trouble, that consent forms are foolproof, or that insurance alone offers complete protection can lead to costly mistakes. Precisely why, debunking legal myths is more critical today than ever before.

Whether you’re newly qualified or a seasoned practitioner, stay with us as we dispel these myths, clarify your legal responsibilities, and equip you with all the information you need to safeguard your dental career.

Legal Myths in Dental Practice vs. the Reality

The concepts of dental practice are ever-evolving. Every invention, research, innovation, incident, and accident influences how dental offices operate. This is especially true in cases of patient complaints or legal battles. Thus, debunking legal myths gets you accustomed to the realities behind these myths. This is key to practising confidently and compliantly in the UK.

#1 If I have insurance, I don’t need legal protection

Practice insurance is crucial but not a substitute for comprehensive legal and professional support or indemnity, similar to those offered by dental defence platforms. The difference between standard insurance cover and indemnity coverage is a must-know.

Standard insurance policies: These are often rigid in their approach, focusing on financial liabilities like claims for injury or property damage, workplace injuries or claims from employees and financial compensation for negligence.

The important thing to know is that…

Relying solely on insurance cover will leave gaps in legal protection!

• For instance, standard insurance plans do not offer personal advisory support during difficult times, leaving you to navigate the emotional toll alone.
• They offer no support for the paperwork, filings, review and follow-ups. In most cases, you will have to look out for additional help from a lawyer or the regulatory body.
• Insurance plans often exclude coverage for legal costs associated with regulatory complaints or fitness-to-practice hearings like in GDC investigations.

On the contrary…

Membership with a dental defence platform provides an additional layer of support that goes above and beyond standard insurance. For example:

• Bespoke plans:  Defence organisations typically provide experienced legal teams if you face a claim, GDC investigations, or even criminal allegations related to your practice. They invest time to understand the unique challenges of your practice and design plans for legal advice, clinical support, and regulatory guidance that are not stock solutions but are instead tailored to your practice.
• Ongoing support: Indemnity coverage is not a one-and-done service. Instead, most defence organisations provide ongoing support throughout a claim and can even offer recommendations on how to lower the likelihood of such claims in the future. Dentists who are new to the field or who are handling a particularly complex claim may find this to be particularly helpful.
• Emergency support: Defence societies offer 24/7 advice for immediate guidance on patient complaints, ethical dilemmas, or adverse incidents.
• Discretionary Indemnity: While standard dental insurance cover is about as rigid as it gets, dental defence organisations provide a whole host of indemnity options tailored to your exact requirements.

Both insurance and discretionary indemnity have their roles, but they serve different needs. A clear understanding of what each type of protection provides will help you choose better.

So that’s myth #1 – What about myth number two?

#2 Patient Consent Forms Offer Blanket Protection

Not really! Patient forms are designed to ensure that patients are fully informed about the treatment they’re receiving and the associated risks; they cannot shield you from legal action in every situation. To understand this better, the 3 rules of valid consent are:

• The patient must have the capacity to understand the consent.
• The patient must be informed about the procedure, risks and alternative options in the consent.
• The patient must sign the consent form voluntarily.

Despite all of the above, if the patient believes that the care provided was inadequate or caused harm, they may still bring a claim, irrespective of the consent form.

Why?

Consent revoke: Consents can be withdrawn at any time during the treatment process. If the patient revokes consent, you may face legal complications, even if you have a signed form, as they might claim their consent was obtained improperly or not fully understood.

Failure to explain risks: The onus lies with the dentist to explain risks to the patients in a way they understand.

Incomplete consent: Simply having the patient sign a form doesn’t guarantee protection if the patient wasn’t truly aware of what they were agreeing to.

Negligence: If the patient believes that the care provided was inadequate, there was oversight or the procedure caused harm, they may still bring a claim, regardless of the consent form.

#3 Only Big Problems Cause Lawsuits

Certainly not!

The idea that only major mistakes result in lawsuits is categorically a myth and a dangerous one to believe. In reality, seemingly petty matters like miscommunications and delayed handling of patient concerns can also lead to legal action.

Consider this…

Human factors involved in the dental profession subject it to emotional interactions that simply don’t exist in other industries. When patient emotions run high, it can be the basis for legal repercussions. In other words… in dentistry, small issues matter. Issues like:

Miscommunication: A simple misunderstanding or failure to fully explain a treatment plan or its risks can result in a patient feeling dissatisfied or misled, potentially leading to a complaint or lawsuit.

Poor handling of concerns: Not addressing patient concerns in a timely or appropriate manner can escalate into more serious issues. Even minor errors, like delayed responses to complaints, can lead to legal consequences if not managed well.

The good news is that most can be resolved without legal escalation by listening to the patient and addressing their concerns promptly.

Dental defence organisations help you identify and navigate such issues in the early stages. They offer practical steps and tactics to communicate with the patient within the confines of the practice before matters reach legal issues.

Having a good handle on the legalities surrounding dentistry is key for any practising dentist and debunking these popular legal myths is crucial to avoiding problems in the future.

If you are looking for a dental defence organisation that offers bespoke services for practices small and large and want to start on the right foot in 2025, feel free to connect with us at DDS support services.