The organisation which offers dento-legal advice and assistance to its members has spoken to its dento-legal advisers and compiled a list of the top five fears faced by dental professionals.
The horror stories listed include missing the opportunity to spot the signs of oral cancer, receiving a complaint and extracting the wrong tooth.
Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, head of the DDU, said:
"At this time of year when many people's thoughts are turning to ghoulish tales of ghosts and monsters, spare a thought for dentists who can be faced with real life frights at any time of year. While many patients fear a trip to the dentist, there are scenarios that can send a chill down even the most experienced dental professional's spine as well.
"We know from our experience of helping thousands of members each year with ethical and legal queries that facing a complaint or a claim or missing a serious condition are something that many dental professionals fear. Fortunately the DDU is here to support members with all kinds of dento-legal queries and problems.
"With complaints and claims increasingly commonplace, it's understandable for dental professionals to fear that they may be faced with one or both. If the worse happens and they are met with either, it can be a very traumatic time with dental professionals often experiencing a mix of emotions and doubting their own abilities. Knowing how to deal with the situation for the best can be difficult and so it is important to seek advice from your dental defence organisation at the earliest opportunity. Often dealing with the situation proactively and promptly can stop it turning into a real life horror story."