DDU
Latest Stories
A whirlwind first two years
As John Makin marks two years as head of the DDU, Seb Evans speaks to him about how the last…
Dentistry
BDA accuses NHS of scattergun approach to NHS charge fines
The BDA has condemned the NHS’s approach to fining patients as almost as many appeals are being won as fines…
Dentistry
Treating obese patients
Rupert Hoppenbrouwers tackles concerns about treating obese patients. Obesity is on the rise. According to the Health and Social Care…
Dentistry
Are you facing ethical or dentolegal issues?
DDU members facing ethical or dentolegal issues are encouraged to contact our team for expert advice. Calls are free, confidential…
Dentistry
Why romance and restorations don’t mix
With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, Debbie Herbst advises what to do if you become the focus of a patient’s affections.…
Dentistry
Give patients notice of plans to go private
Dental practices looking to move from NHS to private treatments are being advised to warn patients of their plans. The…
Dentistry
Give patients notice of plans to go private, DDU advises
Dentists planning to leave the NHS and move to offering patients private treatment only are being given advice from the…
Private Practice
Don’t be unwrapped by patient gifts
As Christmas approaches, many dental professionals may be given gifts from appreciative patients. David Lauder reviews the rules on accepting…
Dentistry
Fair treatment of complaints rejected by the GDC
John Makin says there needs to be fairer treatment of complaints not investigated by the GDC. Readers of my previous…
Blog
Dealing with difficult patients
In every orthodontic practice there are a small number of patients or their relatives whose behaviour can test your reserves…
Orthodontics
Misconceptions around dental fees
Alison Large explains how to reduce misunderstandings surrounding dental fees. Dental fees can often be a source of frustration for…
Dentistry
How to handle a complaint
Leo Briggs explores the importance of successfully handling a complaint. Recently released figures from NHS Digital have shown that complaints…
Dentistry
Rising to the complaints challenge
John Makin talks through the dos and don’ts of patient complaint handling. NHS complaints about dental treatment in England have…
Blog
Rise in fines for incorrect claiming on exemption of NHS fees
Ensure your patients understand the rules about NHS exemptions to avoid future complaints, the Dental Defence Union (DDU) says. The…
Dentistry
Dentolegal challenges, from dental school to days of leisure
Leo Briggs looks at how you can meet expectations throughout your career, with help from your dental defence organisation. Dental…
Dentistry
Risks with referrals
Alison Large, dento-legal adviser at the DDU, advises on reducing the risks associated with the patient referral process. The making…
Dentistry
Caps for clinical negligence claims don’t got far enough
Recommendations to cap fixing costs for clinical negligence claims don’t go far enough, the DDU claims. The Dental Defence Union…
Dentistry
Having students in the practice
Leo Briggs, deputy head of the DDU, looks at the pros and cons of having a dental student in the…
Dentistry
Dental practices warned against using mobiles to capture patient data
Personal mobile devices, tablets or computers should never be used to capture and store patient data, the DDU has warned. These…
Dentistry