What to do to keep out of trouble.
Communicate in a profession manner with your patients. Do not be tempted to become confrontational with them. If there is a dispute attempt to solve it at the practice level.
Make sure you are never left alone with a patient (whether it is a man, woman or child). False claims of indecent assault can be made and if you are on your own with the patient, you have no
defense.
Make sure you have written evidence of informed consent. (Especially for procedures with inherent risks (such as lower wisdom tooth removal- you must warn the patient about the small risk of temporary or permanent ID nerve damage. It is best if you can give them a document to read and then get them to sign to say they have understood and accepted the information).
Keep the medical histories up to date, and always ask the patient before each procedure whether there has been any change to their medical history.
Use rubber dam when doing root canal treatment. As soon as you have prepared your access cavity (and before your use any files in the mouth) place rubber dam. There is no defence for inhaled root canal files if the patient was not wearing rubber dam. If there is a medical reason why the patient cannot wear rubber dam record it in the notes.
Ensure your patient wears protective eyewear and that their clothing is protected.
Observe total confidentiality. Remember you are not at liberty to discuss the patient's details with any other person, (even their family members), except other health care professionals also involved with the patient's treatment. Confidentiality with regard to children is a complex area. When the child is under 16 the dentist has a duty of confidentiality to the child and the parent. This situation can invite conflict and the dentist should be very careful when dealing with teenagers or cases of suspected abuse. The police or other official bodies can request access to records. In such a case the dentist should contact their
defense union for advice.
Above all - take care of your patient. If they have had an extraction - given them post extraction advice orally and on paper so they can refer to the advice at home.
If you accidentally numb the facial nerve and give your patient a facial nerve palsy, make sure someone drives them home.
If someone is suffering swelling or pain, treat them promptly and if they are especially concerned, phone them at home to make sure they are getting better.
Patients want to know that you take their concerns seriously and that you care about their dental health.
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