The Dental Defence Union (DDU) has today highlighted how it is advocating for its dental members in Parliament.
In the latest edition of the DDU journal, the DDU states that it is committed to ensuring that the views of the profession are heard by those who make decisions affecting the dental profession.
In particular, the DDU explains how in January, it submitted written evidence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)’s inquiry into ‘Fixing NHS Dentistry’. In this submission, issues raised included clinical negligence costs, and specifically the introduction of a system of fixed recoverable costs (FRC) for clinical negligence claims valued up to £25,000.
Other issues emphasised in the submission included fitness to practise reform and supporting the health and wellbeing of dentists.
Looking forward, the DDU will also be delivering a presentation to the newly established All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Healthcare Workers on the challenges currently facing dentistry at present, highlighting the concerns of DDU members and starting discussions on what steps can be taken to address these issues.
Lewis Jones, policy adviser at the DDU said: “The DDU is proud to serve as the voice of dental professionals in Westminster, and as a mutual organisation, members’ interests are our top priority.
“We were one of fourteen organisations to submit evidence to the PAC’s inquiry into Fixing NHS Dentistry, demonstrating our commitment to work on behalf of members to influence the dento-legal climate and make a positive change to the key areas that affect the dental profession and practice.
“Additionally, I’m delighted that we are the first dento-defence organisation to have established an APPG for healthcare workers, including our dental members. As the MDU, the DDU’s parent organisation, is secretariat of this group, we are ideally positioned to represent the views of our members to an audience of parliamentarians.
“At the DDU, we fully intend to build on the momentum we have developed to ensure dental professionals views are heard by decision makers.”
Read the full DDU journal here.
