DDU Direct Dentists on Danger of Private Patient Messaging

Direction on the possible dangers of connecting with patients through direct messaging applications was recently released by the DDU (Dental Defence Union).

They make the case that, despite the pandemic’s need for greater dependence on online communication tools, care should still be taken when using them.
If dental teams are going to employ direct messaging with patients, they need to be conscious of the possible dangers and difficulties associated with it.

The DDU emphasises that professionals must consider how suitable it is to use this method of communication, with a stress on the importance of clear-cut standards, rules, and regulations.

This follows the postponement of earlier plans to upgrade regulations. Such change is deemed to help dental professionals who are finding it difficult to cope with stress.

Thus, in the eyes of the DDU, regulatory reform needs to be the government’s highest point of importance in healthcare.

A DDU dento-legal adviser, Jo-Anne Taylor, explained that “the increased use of technology into professional practice undoubtedly offers new opportunities to deliver innovative services to patients.”

“However, there are risks associated with this. It is also important to remember that disclosing direct messages may be necessary if a complaint, claim, or regulatory matter arises.”

“Alternatively, workplace communication platforms may offer a secure and GDPR compliant alternative. Here, records of patient communications can be more seamlessly integrated into the appropriate systems and the risk of professional boundaries becoming blurred is reduced.”

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