Protect yourself with appropriate indemnity

News

  Posted by: Dental Design      10th March 2020

Dental nursing offers a rewarding career for individuals interested in providing excellent patient care. It is an essential role within the modern dental practice, helping to streamline daily procedures and optimising the patient experience.

In order to be the best that they can be, it’s crucial for dental nurses to continuously update their knowledge and skills – just like all other members of the dental team. It is also important that they protect themselves from potential legal problems, should a patient complaint be made that affects them and their work.

At the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020, the Dental Nurses Forum will cover a spectrum of relevant clinical, administrative and career development topics. The comprehensive two-day lecture programme has been designed by the British Association of Dental nurses (BADN) and will be presented by experts in their fields. Delegates will get the opportunity to interact with both speakers and peers for an enriched learning experience.

Among the speaker line-up will be Sharon Brennan. Sharon is the Medical Malpractice Practice Leader at CFC Underwriting Ltd. She has more than 20 years of experience in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market and is one of the UK’s leading medical malpractice underwriters. As a recognised authority on both traditional and emerging risks in the healthcare sector, she is well-positioned to share information and advice to all members of the dental team.

She discusses what she feels are the main challenges dental nurses face with regards to indemnity.

“It can be difficult to understand what indemnity means,” she says. “However, it’s important to appreciate what it actually does and to be able to review the available options to ensure the cover being offered truly protects the dental nurse in their career for when they need it the most. This provides confidence as to whether they will be protected if they are ever subject to a claim and/or GDC disciplinary hearing. It is essential that dental nurses hold their own individual indemnity, rather than relying on the policies of the dentist or the practice. This affords better tailored protection and gives them control of their own arrangements to avoid conflicts of interest should a claim be submitted.

“The BADN is the pre-eminent body representing the voice of dental nurses with both the GDC and other dental care professional associations. The association ensures that dental nurses’ opinions and positions on key topics are heard within the dental community. The BADN, as part of its commitment to the dental nursing community and a trusted organisation, has been proactive in sourcing indemnity for its members to ensure the cover is relevant to them, giving peace of mind.”     

Sharon will be speaking in the Dental Nurses Forum at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020. She will share a wealth of information and guidance to help delegates assess their own indemnity policies and seek assistance where there are any uncertainties.

“I will be exploring the importance of having comprehensive indemnity cover that meets the needs of today’s dental nurses in their evolving careers,” Sharon comments.

“Complaints to the GDC and litigation against the dental community are on the rise, so individual dental nurses need to ensure they are covered. This is not only their professional obligation as required by the GDC, but failure to carry indemnity can leave them personally exposed to dealing with claimant lawyers and the GDC on their own. This can be very stressful and expensive. It is the same reason that all regulated healthcare professionals carry their own indemnity – to protect themselves. A coat of armour if you will.

“I hope delegates attending my session will gain a better understanding of their professional obligations and therefore be able to better protect themselves.“

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will once again be delivered in partnership with the British Dental Association (BDA). It is completely free for delegates to attend, with hours of enhanced CPD available to all. The trade floor will also host more than 450 manufacturers and suppliers of oral health products and technologies, with training providers also on-hand to provide any bespoke information professionals seek. Be sure not to miss out!

 

The British Dental Conference and Dentistry Show 2020 will be held on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May at the Birmingham NEC, co-located with DTS.

For all the latest information, please visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk, call 020 7348 5270 or email dentistry@closerstillmedia.com


No Comments


No comments yet.


Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.