Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

Do you have an opinion or some- thing to say on any Dental Tribune UK article? Or would you like to write your own opinion for our guest comment page? If so don’t hesitate to write to: The Editor, Dental Tribune UK Ltd, 4th Floor, Treasure House, 19-21 Hatton Garden, London, EC1 8BA Or email: lisa@dentaltribuneuk.com Editorial comment T he General Dental Council (GDC) has pro- duced a new fact sheet for patients across the UK to help them understand what responsibility their dental professional has to make sure their indemnity or insurance is up to date, ensuring that pa- tients’ rights are upheld. Indemnity and insurance is a way for dental profession- als to ensure patients have a way to claim compensation if something goes wrong with the treatment they’re having. The new fact sheet guides patients through what is ex- pected of their dental profes- sional as well as what to do if something does go wrong. The guideline asks questions such as what should I ask my dental professional and what happens if something goes wrong? Chief Executive of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry said: “We are working to increase the cur- rent, substantial protections for patients, by seeking powers to require proof of insurance or indemnity as a condition of being registered to practise as a dentist or dental care profes- sional. We expect to have these powers by October 2013.” The GDC can stop dental professionals working in the UK if they are found not to have indemnity or insurance and the new powers being sought will mean dental professionals not only have to have insur- ance before they can practise but declare they have it every year after that. DT Fact sheet Evlynne Gilvarry I t has been a very tumultuous time in the political sphere for dentistry. As the Cabinet waves goodbye to Andrew Lansley as Health Minister, it says hello to Jer- emy Hunt. In addition, there are the various consultations around dentistry including looking at the process of fluorida- tion scheme planning, views on the CQC (that should be a good one!) and the continuing piloting process. Traditionally the last quar- ter of the year is busy not just politically but in terms of conferences and other events. I’m sure that many a glass of enamel-friendly wine will be consumed as the is- sues around the profession are debated. Please join in the process – not only by add- ing your voice to the consul- tations but by letting Dental Tribune know what you think! Email me at lisa@dentaltrib- uneuk.com DT 3NewsSeptember 10-16, 2012United Kingdom Edition