Don’t let the fear of a claim impact on your work
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 7th July 2022
In a survey of over 2,000 GDPs, the threat of a complaint or litigation was named as the most stressful aspect of practising dentistry.[i] Although our culture is still not as litigious as in other parts of the world, the level of fear among UK dentists about dental claims, and of the likelihood of being sued, seems to increase year on year.
One reason for this is that unhappy patients are now encouraged to speak up and take action. Adverts for solicitors offering services on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis proliferate and reports of people who have accepted huge pay-outs because of dental negligence are a media staple. Patients have expectations of quality treatment and care that returns them to, and keeps them in, good oral health.
Where do claims come from?
The type of claims that can be made against a GDP are wide-ranging. A patient might make a claim if, they believe, the care they received was inadequate, inappropriate or incorrect. A missed or delayed diagnosis, such as the failure of the dentist to diagnose and treat caries or periodontal problems, is a common reason. Misdiagnosis is another high-risk area.
A patient may have grounds for a claim if they have been injured or harmed during treatment that was poorly planned and executed. During the planning stage, the dentist should have clearly laid out the risks associated with the work, and anything that could go wrong, during and after treatment. An individual who does not feel that informed consent was established could have solid grounds to make a claim.
Dental claims and mental health
For the practitioner involved, the dental claims process can take a heavy toll on their emotional health and wellbeing. The impact can extend to everyone from their practice colleagues, creating a high-pressure atmosphere at work, to family and friends who aren’t sure how help. Claims can take a long time to reach an outcome and being under months of intense stress will often lead to a dentist taking time off until the matter is concluded. Being unable to practise will aggravate the lack of confidence in their ability and feelings of isolation, adding to any disconnect with both their professional and personal support networks. Intense anxiety increases the likelihood that a person will become depressed; in short, dentists who have had a claim made against them need to know they are being well looked-after to avoid any lasting impact to their mental health.
If receiving a complaint is upsetting, opening a solicitor’s letter can be even more distressing, even if it is only a request for dental records or copies of scans. In some cases, that will be end of the matter. But when it’s not, being well prepared can help mitigate some of the stress, and provide reassurance that you have the right people on your side. Having tailored, comprehensive insurance in place is essential support for the worse-case scenario, when a patient does feel they have grounds to make claim. Howden is a leading, specialist insurance and indemnity provider with tailored policies for any dental practice and dental professionals at all stage of their career. We offer competitive premiums and contract certainty and will protect you when you need it most. You get a dedicated account handler and, if the matter does proceed to a claim, you will have a top tier law practice specialising in dental malpractice claims representing you.
Howden also offers a medico-legal helpline; knowing there is someone at the end of a phone will give added peace of mind. We will do everything we can do support you, so that the process does not take its toll on you and your loved ones, as well as the rest of the practice. We believe that this approach gives the best protection for your livelihood, career and wellbeing in the unlikely event of a claim being made against you.
While dental claims are rare, it is crucial to have the right indemnity and insurance policies in place, and a premium defence team. The right team will also have things in place to support you emotionally, to minimise some of the burden of stress, so that once an outcome has been reached, you can return to the job you love, delivering quality patient care and satisfaction.
For more information or to contact team, please visit www.howdengroup.co.uk or call 020 3918 9127
Howden Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF
[i] Collin, V., Toon, M., O’Selmo, E. et al. A survey of stress, burnout and well-being in UK dentists. Br Dent J 226, 40–49 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2019.6
