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Gov.uk. (2014). Mental Capacity Act: making decisions. [Online]. Mental Capacity Act: making decisions - GOV.UK. Last Updated: 9 June 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mental-capacity-act-making-decisions [Accessed 7 November 2023].

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The mental capacity act of 2005 is for people who don't have the mental capacity to be able to understand and make decisions for themselves. This act states that certain people must follow the code of practice when acting and making decisions for someone who does not have the mental capacity. For example, an attorney appointed under the power of attorney, a deputy appointed the Court of Protection, an independent mental capacity advocate, a person who acts in a professional capacity for, or in relation to, people who can’t make decisions for themselves, a person who is paid to act for or in relation to people who can’t make decisions for themselves.

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It may be difficult for a general dentist to complete treatment for patients with additional needs as they lack the capacity to be able to understand what it is happening and what they must do in order for the treatment to be completed. In these cases, it is best for patients  with additional needs to be referred to a specialist that will have more training, experience and equipment to be able to deal with situations like this. Patients with additional needs must have a power of attorney if they do not have the mental capacity to be able to make decisions for themselves, so that we are able to contain valid consent.

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Gillick consent is when a child under the age of 16 is able to consent to their own treatment, providing that they have the mental capacity to be able to understand the treatment and the possible consequences if the treatment does not go as planned.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/children/#:~:text=Children%20under%20the%20age%20of,responsibility%20can%20consent%20for%20them.

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Montgomery patient - centered approach to consent 

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Montgomery patient - centered approach to consent 

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The montgomery patient centred approach to consent is when Dental professional allows the patient to choose what treatment is best for them by giving them the options that is best suitable for them so that the dentist and the patient can come to an agreement, in which they are both happy with.

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Dental treatment planning and costs is an important part of dentistry as it allows for the patient to be able to understand their options for the treatment that is available by discussing this with their dentist at their appointment. This ensures we are able to obtain verbal consent as dental care professionals and also have a written consent, as it is all written down on a treatment plan that is signed by the patient which is then stored for at least 2 years. Treatment planning lets patients know the risks and benefits of the treatment, and allows them to choose what is beneficial, necessary and appropriate for them. This allows for the patients to choose what treatment they would like depending on the cost of each treatment, as they may not be able to afford to pay for a certain treatment and may want a cheaper alternative. For example, patients can have the option to get amalgam filling that is silver in appearance which is £70.70 under the NHS band 2, or they are able to get a composite filling which prices varies (about £100- £150) depending on the practice, and it is more aesthetically pleasing as it is tooth coloured.

https://dentalclaim.co.uk/valid-consent-to-dental-treatment/

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Current General Data Protection legislation

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Current General Data Protection legislation

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The data protection act 2018 holds everyone responsible for personal data and they must follow the data protection principles which outline how information is used. Information must be used: fairly, lawfully and transparently, for specified purposes, for when it is necessary. All information must be kept up to date and not kept longer than it is necessary. This ensures the safety of personal data of yourself, the patients, the practice and businesses.  This includes data such as name, email address, phone number, bank account details, national insurance number, health conditions etc.

https://www.gov.uk/data-protection#:~:text=The%20Data%20Protection%20Act%202018%20is%20the%20UK's%20implementation%20of,used%20fairly%2C%20lawfully%20and%20transparently

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Current General Data Protection Regulations

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Current General Data Protection Regulations

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The Current General Data Protection Regulations, also known as the GDPR, has 7 key principles which must be followed by everyone. These 7 principles are:
* lawfulness, fairness and transparency
*data minimisation
* accuracy
* purpose limitation
* storage limitation
* integrity and confidentiality
* accountability

This means information must not be stored and collected more than what is necessary and should only be used when it is absolutely necessary.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/what-is-gdpr-uk-eu-legislation-compliance-summary-fines-2018#:~:text=GDPR's%20seven%20principles%20are%3A%20lawfulness,new%20to%20data%20protection%20rules.

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The purpose of human rights is to ensure equality regardless of the diversity between individuals. Under the human rights act 1988, it states the rights and freedom that everyone is entitled to. This ensures that as dental care professionals, we are respecting, fulfilling and protecting people's human rights. As the Equality Act 2010 ensures that discrimination is eliminated and good relationships are built despite age, gender, disability, ethnicity, culture, race, sexual orientation and religion. This means everyone is treated equally and is given the same level care as each other despite of what their identities are.

https://www.cqc.org.uk/sites/default/files/20141126_equality_human_rights_duties_impact_analysis_final.pdf

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Child protection is a safeguarding process to ensure that children are protected from any abuse, neglect and exploitation. It is important for us as dental care professionals to be able to identify any child neglect, as we could put an end to it and save the child from harm and possible trauma. It is important to know the difference of when it is a safeguarding issue and when it is just a situation that is harmless. There are safeguarding procedures put into place to allow for a discussion between staff member before it is escalated and is reported to child protection organisations.

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection

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A vulnerable adult is someone who is aged 18 and over and is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation as they may have a disability or illness, or because of their age. The GDC stresses on the importance of protecting our patients' welfare and safety as patients come to us and trust us to act in their best interest. This is under the 8th principle of GDC, raise concerns if patients are at risk. Each practice will have a safeguarding lead and guidelines on how to deal with a safeguarding issue. As healthcare professionals, we should always be looking out for signs of potential safeguarding issues, such as bruises, looking unkempt, looking depressed, frightened or intimidated, looking malnourished. For example, if a vulnerable adult is not being brought into the practice to complete any treatment, and is usually looking unkempt and has poor hygiene, and is always having pain and problems, this would be raised as a safeguarding issue.

https://www.dental-nursing.co.uk/features/safeguarding-vulnerable-adults

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Health and well-being is a fundamental part of dentistry as it is our jobs to ensure good and proper oral hygiene is maintained. This is done by giving patients the treatment that is required to improve their oral hygiene and giving advice and information in order for patients to understand what they need to be doing for prevention of oral diseases and cancers. Having a good oral hygiene improves your mental and physical wellbeing, as it can make the patient more comfortable and happy with themselves and their smiles.

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Prevent duty is part of the safeguarding duty to protect people from being drawn into extremism groups, radicalism and terrorism, especially vulnerable people such as young children. All staff must complete a prevent duty training.

https://need2succeed.co.uk/safeguarding-prevent-british-values-policy