Patient care and safety

Occupational health

Safeguarding patients

Safeguarding practices reduce the opportunities for children and adults to experience abuse and neglect. This advice outlines current expectations on safeguarding practice for members of the dental team.

Supporting Muslim dental patients observing Ramadan

Practical advice on anticipating and meeting patient needs during the month of fasting.

Safety precautions during out-of-hours care and domiciliary visits

Providing urgent care outside standard working hours or in a domiciliary setting comes with additional risks.

Managing abusive patients

Abusive behaviour from patients is an increasing concern for dental professionals. There are differences in protocols when managing NHS and private patients relating to contractual obligations, and variations across the UK nations. However, a fundamental principle remains: no member of the dental team should be subjected to abuse.

Using dental amalgam in the UK

This advice provides information on the use of dental amalgam in the UK.

Receiving New Patient Premium payments as an associate

From March 2024, NHS England has paid a New Patient Premium (NPP) to contractors for seeing patients who haven’t been seen in the last 24 months.

Disability discrimination - dentists as service providers

Advice on the steps you need to take to ensure your dental service is accessible and assess whether you can implement the necessary changes or need to identify alternative arrangements.

Sepsis

This advice examines how to manage sepsis appropriately, including recognising signs and symptoms, management, referral and follow up.

Tooth whitening

Understand the legal, professional and good practice requirements of offering tooth whitening options to your patients.

Consent

This advice will help you to meet your requirements for obtaining consent from your patients prior to providing their dental care and treatment.

Medical devices

Understand how medical devices are regulated in the UK and the implications for your practice and your patients.