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David Lauder, dentolegal adviser at the DDU, explores the legal and ethical issues associated with treating vulnerable adults. Vulnerable patients are entitled to the same high standards of care as other patients. However, managing their oral health can present particular challenges. As well as practical issues, such as accessibility for patients with physical disabilities, it…
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David Lauder examines the most common factors in dental complaints and how to avoid them. Communication problems are a common causes of complaints against dental practices. They account for around a third of complaints notified to the DDU. Breakdowns in communications are often an underlying factor in complaints. Even if it is not the patient’s…
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David Lauder provides effective ways of responding to challenging patients Most patients get on well with their dentist and the majority of dental appointments are uneventful. But, occasionally, the professional relationship can turn sour and, sadly, it is not unknown for patients to pose a threat to the wellbeing and safety of practice staff. Challenging…
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As Christmas approaches, many dental professionals may be given gifts from appreciative patients. David Lauder reviews the rules on accepting gifts from patients and pharmaceutical firms. At this time of year, patients often show their appreciation by giving you a gift. In a DDU survey of some 130 dental professionals in 2016, 78% had received…
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With dental practices increasingly relying upon a wide range of media and marketing techniques to promote themselves, David Lauder explains the need to balance commercial, ethical and regulatory considerations. Ethical promotion Arguably, good old-fashioned ‘word of mouth’ referrals remain the most reliable source of new patients – the lifeblood of any dental practice. However, the…
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Unfortunately, most dental professionals will receive a complaint from a patient at some time in their career. Dental Defence Union dento-legal adviser, David Lauder explains how best to respond When complaints arise following orthodontic treatment, they can be complex to resolve. This is because patients will often be undergoing a longer course of treatment than…
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Unfortunately, most dental professionals will receive a complaint from a patient at some time in their career. Dental Defence Union dento-legal adviser, David Lauder explains how best to respond When complaints arise following orthodontic treatment, they can be complex to resolve. This is because patients will often be undergoing a longer course of treatment than…
