This paper discusses the work of a mutual dental defence organization in assisting its members who request support in relation to professional difficulties. Various cases are discussed in terms of help and support provided, including an explanation of the outcome and how, where adverse, this could have potentially been prevented by the member.
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), established in 1902, is an independent mutual defence organization providing access to expert dento-legal advice and professional indemnity for members who encounter professional difficulties.
It is both an ethical and legal requirement that all General Dental Council (GDC) Registrants hold adequate and appropriate indemnity or insurance reflective of their sphere of practice.1 From July 2016, all registrants renewing registration must declare that appropriate indemnity arrangements are in place.
Members of the MDDUS may request assistance on a variety of professional matters, including general dental practice governance issues, complaints, disciplinary investigations, probity/fraud investigations, Coroner's Inquests/Fatal Accident Inquiries, employment issues (dependent on membership status), civil claims in negligence and General Dental Council Fitness to Practise Investigations.
This article seeks to assist the dental profession's understanding of the work of a dental defence organization illustrating, by example, member requests for assistance. Relevant cases will be analysed with outcomes clearly described, thus providing an insight and key learning points for all the dental team.
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