A new online course designed to help dental professionals navigate the complex area of obtaining patient consent has been launched on Dental Protection’s Online Learning Hub.
Out of the 50 highest value claims in the UK reported to Dental Protection from 2021 to 2022, over half (52%) involve allegations relating to consent.
The Consent modules cover key aspects of obtaining valid consent – including communicating risk, the importance of two-way dialogue, checking patient understanding, and effective clinical decision-making.
The course also explores the legal and ethical principles of consent, the 6D framework for shared decision-making, and how these concepts impact communication and patient care.
Dental Protection’s Online Learning Hub hosts a wide range of resources aimed at helping dental professionals manage their risk and support professional development. These include interactive courses, webinars and videos which can be accessed at any time.
All courses available on the Online Learning Hub can be accessed at no extra cost for Dental Protection members, and can be used to count towards a dental professional’s CPD.
Dr Yvonne Shaw, Deputy Dental Director at Dental Protection, said: “Obtaining valid consent is an integral part of providing quality dental care and demonstrating that a patient’s consent to treatment is valid is a crucial factor in defending dental claims.
“It is important for all dental professionals to keep up to date with legislation and guidelines around consent to better support their patients. Understanding the challenges that can arise in this area can also help dental professionals protect themselves from a complaint or claim relating to consent.
“This online course not only looks at the complex area of obtaining valid consent to treatment, but also how it is framed in theory and law.
“Completing the course will assist Dental Protection members in understanding the challenges that can arise and how to ensure their consent process is robust.”
