Dental treatment: when things go wrong, do what is right
It may sound obvious, but when treating a patient, the best way to keep safe is doing the right thing.
In the course of undertaking dental treatment, unexpected events may occur that compromise or complicate the treatment being provided.
Indemnity – more than just malpractice
GDC investigations come in many forms. Most relate to clinical practice; how a registrant’s physical and mental condition can affect their ability to do their job, failures in patient care, discrimination against patients, breaches in patient confidentiality and poor record-keeping, to name a few.
The price of rushing – extracting the wrong tooth
Mrs S, aged 55, was treated by her regular dentist Dr M for toothache.
An examination established that the lower left first molar, which had a large amalgam restoration, was tender to percussion.
Bank holiday announced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral
It has been announced that Monday 19 September 2022, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday to allow individuals and businesses to pay their respects. But what does this mean for you?
Are you practising defensive dentistry?
77% of dentists feel they are practising defensive dentistry – it’s no surprise, considering that medical indemnity claims are increasingly being brought by patients, a rise which shows no signs of stopping. But what is defensive dentistry? Are you practising in this way and – if so – what can you do about it?
Frying pan and fire – a cautionary note on private practice
There’s currently a lot of enthusiasm for ‘going private’. It’s in the dental press and all over social media. Concerns over the dental NHS system have been amplified by the pandemic and Brexit, resulting in a reduced workforce.
Rare surgical emphysema – the perils of three-in-one use
Surgical emphysema (or subcutaneous emphysema) occurs when air/gas is located in the subcutaneous tissues (the layer under the skin). This usually occurs in the chest, face or neck. The majority of cases are non-fatal and self-limiting.
73% of dentists anticipate doing less NHS dentistry in the coming two years
Dentistry’s latest census shows that 73% of dentists anticipate doing less NHS dentistry in the coming two years, while 84% anticipate undertaking more private dentistry work in the next 12 months. But why might this be?
A cautionary tale for keeping dental records
All clinicians know the importance of dental records. Many write extremely comprehensive notes, whilst others rely very heavily on auto-notes and auto templates. These can be helpful but can also lead to inconsistencies.