Dental professionals ‘facing a growing number of complaints’

Dental professionals are facing an ever-increasing number of complaints, according to a new report.

In its annual report for 2014, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) – the parent company of the Dental Defence Union (DDU) – has indicated that a record number of members are asking for support, due to an adversarial climate.

The DDU and MDU websites received more than 2.6 million page views during 2014 from more than 370,000 visitors, with 'complaint' being the most searched-for term in the guidance and advice section.

It was shown that the number of claims against DDU members rose, with increasing activity in the regulation of healthcare professionals. A 60 percent increase was recorded in the number of members asking for help with General Dental Council (GDC) investigations compared to 2013.

Despite this, analysis of the GDC's fitness to practise findings suggested there is no evidence that clinical standards have deteriorated in any way, according to the DDU.

Dr Rupert Hoppenbrouwers, head of the DDU, said: "The truth is there are many and various reasons why patients bring complaints and claims and it has never been easier for them to do so."