All dental team members who want to return to work will continue to be supported, an indemnity provider has confirmed.
Dental Protection is reassuring its members working within the private sector that the indemnity it provides will continue. This is so long as they are in active membership and are paying the correct subscription for the work they will be carrying out.
Members will have access to support and advice if necessary, and assistance can be requested in light of any complaints or claims arising from the decision to reopen.
‘Our team at Dental Protection includes experienced clinicians, associates and practice owners. We understand the myriad of challenges facing members during the current crisis, including the welfare of their staff, their patients and themselves,’ said Raj Rattan, dental director at Dental Protection.
‘We also recognise the financial pressures they may be facing. This is why we have offered members the equivalent of two months’ subscription relief.
‘As a profession, we may not know what the future looks like. But I can assure you that Dental Protection will be protecting members as the situation evolves.’
Considerations for reopening
The organisation makes it clear that the decision to open up lies with the individual practice owner. It advises those who opt for a return to work to consider the following:
- A statement from the GDC saying ‘practitioners providing NHS services will of course need to adhere to the directions given by the CDO; other practitioners will want to take that into account in making decisions.’
- The position of the CQC saying it ‘cannot require providers of dental care services to close, unless we find clear evidence of a breach of our regulations that requires consideration of the use of our powers under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations. It has also said ‘the decision to offer dental care services is one for the provider to take.’
- The need to adhere closely to central government guidance on social distancing and up-to-date dental guidance documents from different organisations. This includes PHE and the OCDO
- Private sector operators should review existing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) when they develop their own protocols. They should meet the standards set in the prevailing guidance
- Undertaking a complete risk assessment of the operating environment, as well as the patient journey.
Evidence for complaints
If a complaint or claim is filed in response to reopening, Dental Protection say it is important to be able to evidence the following:
- Written SOPs consistent with the widely accepted evidence-base. They must be as robust as those issued by the NHS at the minimum
- Evidence all team members understand and adhere to the SOPs and protocols
- Alongside usual record keeping requirements, clinical records showing the process of care, the rationale of the clinical interventions, the PPE used and the details of the relevant guidance considered when making clinical decisions.
Find out more about Dentistry’s Back to Practice campaign.
