Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

September 3-9, 201220 Education Tribune United Kingdom Edition page 19DT CAD/CAM SYSTEMS | HANDPIECES | HYGIENE SYSTEMS | TREATMENT CENTRES | IMAGING SYSTEMS T h e D e n t a l C o m p a n y Upgrade your existing CEREC ‘Redcam’ to the ALL NEW v4.0 CEREC AC ‘Bluecam’ Generous Sirona Factory Allowances of up to £23,000 when you trade in your old CEREC 3 system. Strictly Limited Offer CEREC Evolution, Naturally… Call now for more details 0845 071 5040 or e-mail: Mark.Buckland@sironadental.co.uk www.sirona.com Sirona Dental Systems Ltd., Lakeside House, 1 Furzeground Way, Stockley Park, Heathrow, London UB11 1BD cant harm or exploitation”. In both children and vul- nerable adults, therefore, it is important to note down your observations if you sus- pect abuse and document any injuries including the type, extent, pattern and lo- cation, as well as the overall appearance of the person and anything else you feel may be relevant. In child cases you should consult your child pro- tection lead in your practice in the first instance and then potentially liaise with other agencies such as your LSCB, your defence union, other health care agencies and social services. In adult cas- es, the LSCB is substituted by your Adult Safeguarding Board and, dependent on the case, it might be appropriate to involve the police. If a child or vulnerable adult discloses abuse to you, it is important to remain calm and not to be judgemental. You should avoid asking lead- ing questions, but listen care- fully and ask open questions. Follow your child protection policy and record your notes using their own words wher- ever possible. It’s also impor- tant not to promise confidenti- ality as it is your duty to report your concerns. Judging mental capacity in vulnerable adults Some people may lack the capacity to make appropri- ate decisions for themselves due to age, illness, disability, substance abuse or medica- tion. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) covers England and Wales and is designed to protect health carers and can help you make a decision about treatment options. The MCA states that it is up to the treating clinician to consider the capacity of the patient and which treatment is in their best interest. It is not for the relative, spouse or carer to make this decision, which can be a difficult relationship to manage for the practice team. Five principles of MCA 2005: 1. A person must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack ca- pacity 2. A person is not treated as unable to make a decision un- less practicable steps to help him/her to do so have been taken without success 3. A person is not to be treat- ed as unable to make a deci- sion merely because he/she makes an unwise or eccentric decision 4. An act on, or decision made under this act for, or on behalf of, a person who lacks capac- ity must be done or made in their best interests 5. Could the decision be made in a way that interferes less with their rights and freedom of action The care and treatment of children and vulnerable adults is an integral part of every dental practice. Poli- cies and training involving the whole dental team is essential to protect these groups and help act appropriately on any concerns encountered. It’s up to you to ensure that your practice team is up to date on all legal and legislative re- quirements, but knowing and applying best practice will not only improve your chances of an excellent regulatory report but will improve your busi- ness model and systems. DT ‘The MCA states that it is up to the treating clinician to consider the capacity of the patient and which treatment is in their best interest’ About the author Dr Henry Clover - Deputy Chief Den- tal Officer, Denplan. Henry is a for- mer general dental practitioner who converted his own practice to private practice in 1993. He joined Denplan’s in 1998 with responsibility for profes- sional support and member services. He was promoted to his current po- sition in 2010 and is responsible for Denplan’s Professional Services team, providing professional guidance and support for all member dentists.