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The mental capacity act is an act designed to protect vulnerable patients that lack the capacity to make decisions about their care alone. for example patients with the following disability may need assistance when making decisions regarding their health care treatment: patients with dementia, severe learning disability, brain injury etc.

NHS. (27 January 2021). mental capacity act. [Online]. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/making-decisions-for-someone-else/mental [Accessed 7 November 2023].

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patients who are unable to get to their dental care practice due to disability or a medical condition, the dentist an have the patients referred to a specialist. some specialist health center's offer treatment under sedation or general inaesthetic which is more convenient for patients with disabilities.

NHS. (5 July 2023). dental treatment for people with special needs. [Online]. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-treatment-for-people-with-special-needs/ [Accessed 7 November 2023]

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Gillick consent refers to young patients age 16 and 17 being able to consent to treatment if they understand and fully appreciate what is involved in their treatment. parents and guardians can also consent for their children and the child can come in practice for treatment alone.

NHS. (08 December 2022). consent to treatment. [Online]. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/children/#:~:text=Children%20under%20the%20age%20 [Accessed 7 November 2023].

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Montgomery patient- centred approach to consent

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Montgomery patient- centred approach to consent

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in order for the patient to make a well informed decision regarding a treatment, the dentists must provide adequate information that the patient fully understands the procedures and risks. Also the patient must have necessary capacity to give consent (mental capacity act 2005).

montgomery and informed consent. (30/01/2023). montgomery and informed consent. [Online]. . Available at: https://www.themdu.com/guidance-and-advice/guides/montgomery-and-informed-consent [Accessed 7 November 2023].

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every dental care professional must follow the data protection act. the data protection act 2018 places responsibility on dental care professionals to keep patients personal information secure and the data must be retained as long as its needed. as well as having a duty to be fair and a lawful basis for collection and processing of data, all organizations must also be transparent. the patients must be aware that their personal data is used and why their personal data is required for.

Protecting patient data - NHS Digital

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patients should have clear understanding of the treatment plan and cost at every stage, dental practices must create two copies of the dental plan, one for the practice to keep and add to patients records the other copy is for the patient to take home and have a read over everything because its very unlikely the patients will remember all the information provided. additionally it allows patients to understand their long term and short term care needs. in their own time the patients will be able to reflect on what they'd like to achieve from the treatments and make a well informed decision.

Nhs patients should expect to pay for their treatments on a banding system. Band 1 is £26.80 this covers diagnostic work(check ups, X-rays), band 2 is £73.50 and covers fillings, extraction and root treatment.band 3 costs £319.10 includes both band 1 and 2 plus complex procedures such as crown, veneers etc.

The importance of a dental treatment plan - DentalNursing (dental-nursing.co.uk)

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Current General Data Protection regulations

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Current General Data Protection regulations

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the data protection act 2018 is put in place to protect the patients personal information. dental care practices require certain personal data from patients to form part of the patients dental records and to manage ongoing care of the patient so the patient can be contact and sent reminder for treatment. the patient must give their consent firstly before any personal information is shared or passed and must be informed what it will be used for. patients personal data must not be used without obtaining prior consent from the patient, if private information is shared without consent legally the practice could be sued for endangering the patient safety and not respecting patients rights to privacy.

GDPR Policy - The Dentist UK

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under the human right act 1998 states we must protect and fulfil peoples human rights. dental practices should all aim to build a supportive, caring and inclusive environment for all patients to receive the treatment they deserve. all patients should be treated equally and with dignity, respected and valued regardless of their background or religious beliefs. the equality act 2010 legally protects all members of society from discriminations due to to their race, sex, religion and so on. if a patient is neglected or maltreated by a dental care provider due to discrimination they have the right to report this to legal authorities and seek justice. dental care processionals must understand peoples differences in beliefs, experience's and background and treat all individuals with respect. the practice should operate without prejudice and discrimination and should always promote inclusivity and equality for all.

What are equality and diversity? - DentalNursing (dental-nursing.co.uk)

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safeguarding means to protect from harm, its taking action to protect the welfare of patients. its the dental care professionals duty to safeguard not just vulnerable adults but children too. a patients age, health and mental capacity can make them a target for abuse and maltreatment. its the dental professionals responsibility to be able to identify the safe guarding issue and help their patients receive the help they need.

the general dental council is very clear about the dental care providers role in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. it states ‘As a registrant, you must take appropriate action if you have concerns about the possible abuse of children or vulnerable adults.’ It tells us again in Standards for the Dental Team: ‘You must find out about local procedures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.' the dental care professional must firstly identify which type of abuse the individual is facing and must make a professional judgement to report what they've observed about the abuse taking place. there are many types of abuse such as sexual, physical, financial, emotional or psychological, domestic and neglect.

as a dental nurse you are more likely to be told of the abuse taking place by the patients themselves , because the dental nurse is the first person the patients address when they first enter the practice and if the patient has any question or feel anxious about anything they often rely on the dental nurse for support. and over time the nurses become well acquainted with their patient and build trust hence the patients feel safe to share their problems with he nurse. therefore its very important for the nurses to know very well their practices safeguarding policy inside out and who the safeguarding lead is in the practice so they can act immediately.

A dental nurse's role in safeguarding - DentalNursing (dental-nursing.co.uk)

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dental nurses must care for vulnerable patients offering them any additional support if needed and making sure they're not taken advantage of. if a patient lacks the capacity to make decisions regarding their treatment their capacity to do so must be examined, and support must be offered to help the patient. for example elderly patient suffering from dementia aren't capable to remember certain information provided and struggle to make decisions alone regarding their dental health, hence they must be accompanied at all times by a carer or family member to make sure the patient is well taken care of. further on patient with impairments such as deaf, mute, illiterate etc. must be assisted with a translator or family to help them understand their treatment plan making sure the patient feels secure and well-informed in regards to their oral health.

further more the care act 2014 provides further protection against abuse to vulnerable adults, vulnerable adults have high risk of maltreatment hence its the dental care providers responsibility and safeguarding duty to make sure vulnerable patients are well looked after and not neglected and show no alarming signs of abuse.

Vulnerable Adults' Definition and the Care Act that Protects Them (carecheck.co.uk)

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dental care professionals must care for their own health first before they care for others. its very important for dental care professionals to stay healthy because poor health will make the professionals work harder, additionally dental nurses must care for their patients health by making sure their over all oral health is up to standards however they must also observe the patient making sure they're safe. if there are any safeguarding issues its the dental care professionals responsibility to report the problem to the practice manager or who ever is in charge of handling any safe guarding issues.

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its very important for dental care professionals to abide by the British values in practice, the British values is all about treating all individuals with respect and to not discriminate to have tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs. dental care professionals must treat all patients equally and must protect the patients human rights to individual liberty and democracy. if dental care professionals do not abide by the British values and neglect a certain patient due to their background religion and beliefs the patient by law is protected and able to sue the practice for neglect or malpractice.

What are the Fundamental British Values? | Teaching Wiki (twinkl.co.uk)

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LO3.6- describe the roles of other team members in the practice

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LO3.6- describe the roles of other team members in the practice

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dental hygienist- dental hygienists are licensed professionals who focus on preventive oral care, they clean teeth (scale and polish), examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and providing education o maintaining good oral hygiene. its the hygienists duty to educate patients o proper brushing , flossing, and diet for good oral health.

dental receptionist- the reception is the first point of contact for patients and manages the administrative tasks necessary for the practices operation. they handle the scheduling of appointments, billing, and communications. reception is also responsible for handling patient records and maintain important office files.

dental office manager- the manager oversees the administrative and business aspects of the dental office. they manage scheduling, billing, insurance claims, patient records, staff coordination, and often help with the overall patient experience.

dental nurse- dental assistants support the dentist during procedures by preparing instruments, sterilizing equipment, assisting with patient care, taking x-rays, and sometimes handling administrative tasks like scheduling or patient communication.

Roles in the dental team | Health Careers

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Take a look at the range of roles and opportunities below in the dental team.

You'll help children and adults look after their teeth and gums.

Sometimes you might be working on a one-to-one basis while on occasion you'll work with groups of people talking about good oral health.

Becoming a dental hygienist

You'll support the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care.

You may help with reception work and could help any member of the dental team treat patients of all ages.

Becoming a dental nurse

You'll make the dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces that improve patients’ appearance, speech and ability to chew.

You'll use a wide range of materials such as gold, porcelain and plastic to design and construct appliances to meet each patient’s needs

Becoming a dental technician or dental technologist

You'll perform some of the more straightforward work usually undertaken by a dentist.

You'll have independence without the full responsibility of running a practice. You can also provide treatment in other parts of the community, such as schools and care homes.

Becoming a dental therapist

You are the frontline of good oral health.

You'll work with communities to prevent and treat dental/oral disease, correct dental irregularities and treat dental/facial injuries.

Becoming a dentist

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You’ll help children and adults look after their teeth and gums.

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LO3.8-Describe the process for whistleblowing 

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LO3.8-Describe the process for whistleblowing 

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whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongdoing to the GDC, workers are encouraged to report any wrong doing or suspected wrongdoing experienced at work. for example malpractice, fraud, unsafe equipment, or patient mistreatment must be reported.

first step to whistle blowing is to identify the issue or concern, this should relate to unsafe practices, unethical behaviors, breach of regulations , patient harm, or other misconduct. secondly the whistle blower must report internally, if the practice has policies for reporting concerns. the first point of contact should usually be a direct supervisor or practice manager. however if the concern involves the practice manager or any higher authority in the practice the whistleblower must issue the concern to higher authority (directly report to he CQC or GDC).

whistleblowers are protected by the public interest disclosure act 1988, which safeguards workers from being fired or victimized for reporting concerns. whistleblower can also report their concerns anonymously to avoid any unfair treatment at work.

Whistleblowing

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Whistleblowing reports are produced jointly by the health and social care professional regulators. We publish these reports annually.

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LO4.1- Explain the purpose of gaining valid consent

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LO4.1- Explain the purpose of gaining valid consent

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gaining consent is vital before any treatment or exam is conducted, this is a legal agreement between patient and clinician that ensures the patient is fully informed of the treatment they will receive and that they agree to it. this is a fundamental principle in dentistry and healthcare as a whole.

gaining consent first is a legal and ethical requirement, failure to do so before performing any treatment can lead to legal action, such as claims of negligence or battery. the GDC requires dental care professionals to seek consent from patients before carrying out any treatment or procedures.

the GDC standards and guidance are; the clinician must obtain valid consent before starting treatment, explaining all the relevant options. the dental care professional must make sure that the patient understands the decision they are being asked to make. lastly the clinician must make sure the consent remains valid through out the treatment course.

General Dental Council - Obtain valid consent

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General Dental Council - Obtain valid consent

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Principle Three - Obtain valid consent to treatment before it starts explianing all relevant options and costs - Read More!

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LO4.3-Explain the principles of information governance within the workplace

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LO4.3-Explain the principles of information governance within the workplace

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information governance is the process used to manage, protect, and ensure the quality, security, and confidentiality of patient information. it states the policies , procedures, and practices that ensure dental practices handle patient data in compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards. proper information governance is crucial for maintaining the patients trust.

data protection and confidentiality-making sure patient information is kept private and secure, with access only given to those with authority.

data accuracy and quality- ensuring that the information in patient records in accurate, complete, and up to date.

patient consent- managing the process of obtaining consent for the collection, use , an sharing of their data. the patient must be informed on how their personal data is being used and shred and have the right to deny consent.

compliance with all regulations- making sure the dental practice complies with regulations and standards related to data protection. data protection law, clinical guidelines, and industry standards.

restrictions to patient data- restricting access to patient data based on roles and responsibilities within the practice, this helps to protect sensitive information and ensures that only authorized individuals can view or update patient records.

General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients’ information

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Guidance

4.1.1 You must make and keep complete and accurate patient records, including an up-to-date medical history, each time that you treat patients. Radiographs, consent forms, photographs, models, audio or visual recordings of consultations, laboratory prescriptions, statements of conformity and referral letters all form part of patients records where they are available.

4.1.2 You should record as much detail as possible about the discussions you have with your patients, including evidence that valid consent has been obtained. You should also include details of any particular patient's treatment needs where appropriate.

4.1.3 You must understand and meet your responsibilities in relation to patient information in line with current legislation. You must follow appropriate national advice on retaining, storing and disposing of patient records.

4.1.4 You must ensure that all documentation that records your work, including patient records, is clear, legible, accurate, and can be readily understood by others. You must also record the name or initials of the treating clinician.

4.1.5 If you need to make any amendments to a patient's records you must make sure that the changes are clearly marked up and dated.

4.1.6 If you refer a patient to another dental professional or other health professional, you must make an accurate record of this referral in the patient's notes and include a written prescription when necessary.

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General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients' information

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Principle Four - Maintain & protect patients' information. Records to be up to date, complete, clear, accurate & legible - Read More!

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LO4.4- Define the term confidentiality in the dental setting

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LO4.4- Define the term confidentiality in the dental setting

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in dentistry confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation to protect and keep private any personal, medical, or treatment- related information shared by patient. any personal information shared must not be disclosed to anyone without the patients consent.

dental care professionals are required to keep patient records , such as medical history, examination results, treatment plans, and personal details , confidential. because this is a legal and ethical duty breaching confidentiality can lead to professional disciplinary action, legal consequences, and a loss of trust between the patient and the dentist.

its also important for every practice to maintain good data security, because confidentiality extends to how personal data is stored and managed. modern dental practices often use electronic health records and its vital these systems are kept secure, ensuring unauthorized people can access any personal data

General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients’ information

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Guidance

4.1.1 You must make and keep complete and accurate patient records, including an up-to-date medical history, each time that you treat patients. Radiographs, consent forms, photographs, models, audio or visual recordings of consultations, laboratory prescriptions, statements of conformity and referral letters all form part of patients records where they are available.

4.1.2 You should record as much detail as possible about the discussions you have with your patients, including evidence that valid consent has been obtained. You should also include details of any particular patient's treatment needs where appropriate.

4.1.3 You must understand and meet your responsibilities in relation to patient information in line with current legislation. You must follow appropriate national advice on retaining, storing and disposing of patient records.

4.1.4 You must ensure that all documentation that records your work, including patient records, is clear, legible, accurate, and can be readily understood by others. You must also record the name or initials of the treating clinician.

4.1.5 If you need to make any amendments to a patient's records you must make sure that the changes are clearly marked up and dated.

4.1.6 If you refer a patient to another dental professional or other health professional, you must make an accurate record of this referral in the patient's notes and include a written prescription when necessary.

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General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients' information

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Principle Four - Maintain & protect patients' information. Records to be up to date, complete, clear, accurate & legible - Read More!

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LO4.6-Describe how patients confidentiality is maintained in the dental setting

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LO4.6-Describe how patients confidentiality is maintained in the dental setting

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maintaining confidentiality in a dental setting is essential to protect patients privacy and ensure trust between the patient and the dental care team.

secure handling of patient records is a vital part of maintaining good confidentiality. physical security of paper based records, these records should be organized and safely locked away in cabinets or file rooms. only authorized staff members can access these files, this is to make sure the files aren't tempered with, lost, or disorganized. keeping physical record organized makes it easier to find incase a patient asks to have a copy of their records.

for digital records there should be digital security in place, access should be password -protected, encrypted , and limited to authorized users only. the system should be regularly updated to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

its also important to gain patient consent before sharing their information with third parties. this includes referrals to other healthcare providers, insurance companies, or family members. consent should be written especially if personal data is being shared electronically.

General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients’ information

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General Dental Council - Maintain and protect patients’ information

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Principle Four - Maintain & protect patients’ information. Records to be up to date, complete, clear, accurate & legible - Read More!

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LO4.7-Define the term safeguarding in the dental setting

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LO4.7-Define the term safeguarding in the dental setting

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safeguarding is a proactive measure to protect vulnerable patients, like children, the elderly, those with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, or harm. this duty involves ensuring that patients who are at greater risk are protected during dental care.

dental care professionals are in a unique position to spot signs of abuse or neglect whether physical or emotional, signs such as unexplained injuries, anxiety, poor hygiene, untreated dental issues all indicate that the patient is not well taken care of.

if a dental care professional suspects abuse or neglect , they are legally and ethically obligated to report their concerns to the relevant authorities, such as social services , local safeguarding boards, or the police. the dental team should receive training on safeguarding, to recognize signs of abuse , understand the policies in place , and know how to handle any safeguarding concerns. confidentiality is also vital in safeguarding however the safety of the patient is precedent

Guidance on child protection and vulnerable adults

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As a registrant, you must take appropriate action if you have concerns about the possible abuse of children or vulnerable adults. See the government guidance on Safeguarding in general dental practice.

Standards for the Dental Team states:

8.5.1 'You must raise any concerns you may have about the possible abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults. You must know who to contact for further advice and how to refer concerns to an appropriate authority such as your local social services department.'

8.5.2 'You must find out about local procedures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults. You must follow these procedures if you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult might be at risk because of abuse or neglect.'

'Vulnerable adults' means "a person above the age of 18 years who is or may be in need of community care services (including healthcare) by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation."

As a dental professional, you are likely to notice injuries to the head, eyes, ears, neck, face, mouth and teeth, as well as other welfare concerns. Bruising, burns, bite marks and eye injuries could suggest that a concern should be raised.

If you make a professional judgement and decide not to share your concern with the appropriate authority, you must be able to justify how you came to this decision. You should contact your defence organisation for advice.
Updated November 2013

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Guidance on child protection and vulnerable adults

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As a registrant, you must take appropriate action if you have concerns about the possible abuse of children or vulnerable adults. See the government guidance on Safeguarding in general dental practice. Standards for the Dental Team states: 8.5.1 'You must raise any concerns you may have about the possible abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults.

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LO4.9- Explain the responsibilities of a dental nurse in safeguarding patients

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LO4.9- Explain the responsibilities of a dental nurse in safeguarding patients

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dental nurses play a vital role in safeguarding patients, its the dental nurses responsibility to take care of patients, they offer chair side support to the patient and are more likely to notice signs of abuse or neglect, particularly in children or vulnerable adults. dental nurse are trained to recognize physical signs, behavioral changes, or any indicators of harm.

additionally dental nurses can report any safeguarding concerns, they must follow the correct reporting procedure, this could involve alerting senior dental staff or directly reporting to relevant authorities, such as social services or child protection agencies.

dental nurses are also more in communication with patients whilst they're in the practice, so when communicating to patients regarding any concerns the nurse must be aware of the patients needs and sensitivities. they should communicate effectively and empathetically with patients, especially if the patient is in a vulnerable position, making sure they feel comfortable and safe.

Safeguarding Guide for Dental Nurses | Types of abuse & roles

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Safeguarding Guide for Dental Nurses | Types of abuse & roles

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Dental nurses have a responsibility to safeguard their patients and should know what to do if they have concerns.

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LO5.4- Explain the importance of maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice

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LO5.4- Explain the importance of maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice

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these records are very important because they're the foundation of any claim for clinical negligence. they are the starting point for any investigation because they tell a story of the care a patient received. they are then used to determine if the care provided to the patient was reasonable or not.

further on accurate records ensures that the dental team has up to date information about the patients health history, treatment plan, allergies, and any other relevant details. this lowers the risk of errors, avoids treatment complications , and guarantees safe and appropriate care. also if several dentist are involved in the patients care, they allow other professionals to understand the patients treatment history, decisions made, and any progress or issues that have arisen.

Record keeping for best practice - DentalNursing

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Record keeping for best practice - Dental Nursing

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High-quality clinical notes are essential for dental assessment and treatment planning. However, best practice has evolved, so records should also demonstrate the process by which a patient consented to their treatment option