As dental professionals, we work to the standards of conduct, performance and ethics required by the General Dental Council. This means that we:
- Put patients’ interests first
- Communicate effectively with patients
- Obtain valid consent
- Maintain and protect patients’ information
- Have a clear and effective complaints procedure
- Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients’ best interests
- Maintain, develop and work within our professional knowledge and skills
- Raise concerns if patients are at risk
- Make sure our personal behaviour maintains patients’ confidence in us and the dental profession
1. Putting Patients’ Interests First
Patients expect:
- To be listened to and have their preferences and concerns taken into account.
- To be treated as individuals and have their cultures and values respected.
- Honesty and integrity from all members of the dental team.
- Consideration of all aspects of their health and well-being and appropriate dental care.
- A clean and safe environment.
- Reasonable adjustments for disabilities.
- Interests put before financial gain.
- Redress if harm occurs during treatment.
- Appropriate management of dental pain and anxiety.
We will:
- Listen to you.
- Treat you with dignity and respect.
- Act with honesty and integrity.
- Take a holistic, preventative approach to your care.
- Provide a hygienic and safe environment.
- Treat you fairly, individually and without discrimination.
- Prioritise your interests.
- Ensure compensation procedures if harm occurs.
- Stay informed and compliant with laws and regulations.
2. Communicate Effectively with Patients
Patients expect:
- Full, clear, accurate, and understandable information.
- Clear explanations of treatment, outcomes, and expectations.
- Cost information upfront and timely updates.
- Understandable communication.
- To know who is providing care.
We will:
- Listen and consider your views.
- Support your right to make health decisions.
- Provide information in a comprehensible format.
- Clearly inform you of treatment costs.
3. Maintain and Protect Patients’ Information
Patients expect:
- Accurate, up-to-date, legible records.
- Confidential handling of personal details.
- Access to their records.
- Secure data storage.
We will:
- Maintain complete and accurate records.
- Use your information only for its intended purpose.
- Share information only under exceptional circumstances.
- Allow you access to your records.
- Keep records secure on all platforms.
4. Obtain Valid Consent
Patients expect:
- To be asked for consent before treatment begins.
We will:
- Obtain valid consent with a clear explanation of options and costs.
- Ensure you or your representative understands your choices.
- Confirm your consent remains valid throughout care.
5. Have a Clear and Effective Complaints Procedure
Patients expect:
- Their concerns or complaints to be acknowledged and addressed promptly.
We will:
- Provide an accessible complaints procedure.
- Respect your right to complain.
- Respond promptly and constructively.
6. Work with Colleagues in Patients’ Best Interests
Patients expect:
- Clarity on each team member’s role.
- Effective teamwork.
We will:
- Collaborate and support each other.
- Refer and delegate appropriately.
- Accept tasks only if qualified.
- Communicate clearly within the team.
- Demonstrate leadership when managing teams.
7. Maintain, Develop and Work Within Professional Knowledge and Skills
Patients expect:
- High-quality care from a skilled and compliant dental team.
We will:
- Provide care based on current evidence.
- Work within our scope and competence.
- Continuously update our knowledge and skills.
8. Raise Concerns if Patients Are at Risk
Patients expect:
- Prompt action to protect safety.
- Attention to vulnerable patient welfare.
We will:
- Always prioritise your safety.
- Take swift action on risk.
- Support a culture of openness.
- Maintain and follow a clear concerns procedure.
- Respond to suspected abuse appropriately.
9. Personal Behaviour That Maintains Confidence
Patients expect:
- Professional and trustworthy conduct.
We will:
- Justify your trust through professional conduct.
- Manage personal health and performance risks.
- Notify GDC of any legal or regulatory matters.
- Fully cooperate with inquiries and investigations.
Wembley High Street Dental Practice Email: whsdentalpractice@gmail.com Address: 455 High Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 7AF Phone: 020 8903 7439