Dental Law & Ethics (GDC) Flashcards

When must a dental professional make a safeguarding referral for a child patient?

Answer: When there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect based on clinical or behavioural signs

GDC Standards and child safeguarding legislation require referral to children's services when there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect; consent is not required and the child's safety takes precedence.

What is the legal framework governing the prescription of controlled drugs by dentists in the UK?

Answer: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001

Controlled drugs are regulated by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the associated Regulations 2001, which classify drugs (Schedules 1–5) and govern prescribing, storage, and record-keeping by dentists.

What ethical obligation arises when a dentist identifies incidental findings (e.g., possible pathology) outside their scope during a routine examination?

Answer: Document, inform the patient, and refer appropriately

Duty of care requires that incidental findings are documented, the patient informed of the possible significance, and appropriate referral arranged, even if outside the dentist's primary scope.

Which GDC publication sets out what is expected of dental teams working within the law and professional standards?

Answer: Standards for the Dental Team (2013)

'Standards for the Dental Team' (GDC, 2013) is the primary document outlining the nine standards of conduct, performance, and ethics expected of all registered dental professionals.

What is the purpose of indemnity insurance for dental professionals in the UK?

Answer: Provides financial protection and legal support in the event of a negligence claim or complaint

Professional indemnity/insurance is a GDC registration requirement, providing financial and legal protection for dental professionals in the event of negligence claims, complaints, or fitness to practise proceedings.

What constitutes a 'never event' in NHS dental practice?

Answer: A serious, largely preventable patient safety incident (e.g., wrong tooth extraction) that should not occur if standards are followed

NHS Never Events are specific, serious, preventable patient safety incidents (e.g., wrong tooth extracted) that should never occur if national guidelines and safety systems are followed correctly.