Dentists advised to check the small print

The warning follows the latest GDC registrants’ newsletter which highlights a case where the adequacy of the registrant’s indemnity provision was considered.

The policy contained some exclusions relating to the transmission of blood-borne diseases that led the panel to conclude that the policy did not fulfil Standard 1.8 within the GDC Standards for the Dental Team: “You must have appropriate arrangements in place for patients to seek compensation if they suffer harm.”

The GDC is therefore encouraging registrants to read the small print within their policies and decide whether they are appropriately covered. The BDA is also advising practitioners to look carefully at wider areas of exclusion or the conditions of cover and question the true impact of the conditions and exclusions.

Peter Ward, chief executive of the BDA, said,“This is a call to action to all dentists - review your indemnity arrangements. Look through the small print and check out the conditions and restrictions, and ask your insurer what they mean and what the expectations are upon you.