www.mddus.com


Complaints Complaints can follow a number of (potentially overlapping) paths. Patients who believe that the consenting discussion was framed in such a way as to lure them into accepting non-NHS options (aka ‘upselling’), may report this to the GDC as a breach of professional standards. Patients who believe that the treatment (for which, lest we forget, they paid privately) was substandard may decide to litigate or to contact the Dental Complaints Service. The DCS exists primarily to arbitrate on unresolved disputes relating to private dentistry. However, should they find evidence of misconduct, such as unprofessional consenting discussions, they may refer the matter to the GDC. Therefore, in mixed practice, NHS patients have a right to consider


LEAP


private treatments. However, it is crucial they are also offered all available and clinically justifiable NHS options in a neutral and professional manner. These discussions must be properly reflected in the records and all relevant paperwork must be completed. This is a contentious and somewhat confusing area, so please contact


MDDUS if you need more detailed advice. Doug Hamilton is a dental adviser and editor of SoundBite


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