Dental Protection dento-legal adviser and practising dentist, Raj Rattan, advises young dentists to be aware of the factors that can lead to sub-optimal care legal pitfalls in practice that could result in patient litigation.
The top three areas most likely to wrong foot a young clinician are:
- A failure to obtain consent
- A failure to take into account what is and what is not available on the NHS
- Working beyond competence.
Raj Rattan will be addressing these issues at the Young Dentist Conference on February 14, at the Royal College of Physicians in London. The event is hosted by Dental Protection, in conjunction with the British Dental Association and the British Dental Journal.
Other high profile dentists speaking at the conference include Simon Stone, who will discuss best practice with referrals in endodontics, and Julie Cross who will offer similar guidance in her session Are you referring to me? Oral surgery. Reena Wadia will offer advice on how to survive as a junior dentist, and dento-legal adviser James Foster will deliver a case-based session entitled Do you see what I see?
Raj Rattan, dento-legal adviser at Dental Protection says:
“It is important for newer clinicians to be aware of the risks that can lead to the unwelcome prospect of facing patient litigation.
“By identifying and controlling the factors that can lead to sub-optimal care, young dentists can learn to manage the risks that exist in clinical practice.”
Kevin Lewis, Dental Director at Dental Protection says:
“The Young Dentist Conference is a great opportunity for junior dentists to gain a better understanding of the dento-legal aspects of their role.
“The conference offers young dentists the chance to refresh and fill gaps in their essential risk management knowledge as well as network with like-minded peers.
“Those who are up to speed with their risk management skills will be better equipped to face the ethical challenges of a healthcare professional.”
For more information or to book your tickets please contact the Dental Protection events team on 0207 399 2914 or email events@dentalprotection.org