Practices must have relevant licences to play music

UK-wide dental defence organisation, MDDUS, has received calls from members asking what the licence requirements are for playing music in waiting areas, with reports of companies who collect royalties cracking down on unlicensed playing of music.

This follows on from recent media reports suggesting dental surgeries may be paying ‘unwarranted’ fees to collection agencies PRS for Music and PPL to listen to music in waiting areas or consulting rooms.

MDDUS Head of Dental Division, Aubrey Craig, claims dentists can face legal action as a result of ‘infringing copyright’ if they don’t obtain the correct licence.

“Any business that plays recorded music in public is legally required to have relevant licences – and dental practices are no different,” says Aubrey. “There are two types of licences protecting different copyright owners. Practitioners need to have both of these licences in order to have permission to play recorded music in waiting areas.

“Regardless of whether the radio, a cd, an mp3 or other form of music is played, the licences need to be paid to protect the copyright of those who create, produce and publish the music or performances.”