Moving on

Head of the DDU, Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, explains: ‘Understandably, the months and weeks before a dental professional leaves a practice can be a busy, stressful and exciting time and there are many things to remember, but the best interests of patients must always come first. The DDU is aware of complaints from patients who have agreed a course of treatment with one dental professional and not been informed that their successor will be carrying it out. There have also been occasional instances of complaints or claims against dental professionals who have left their practice and cannot be contacted. We hope that by making dental professionals aware of the potential pitfalls, they can take steps to avoid them, and face their next career move with confidence.’