MDDUS calls for government action to reduce dentists’ legal costs

The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) has urged the government to take action to reduce the legal costs that dentists are facing.

Figures from the forthcoming MDDUS annual report have indicated a continued growing trend in compensation claims and litigation in 2015, with the number of claims for negligence against members across the UK rising by 22 percent compared to the previous year.

As such, MDDUS chief executive Chris Kenny has written to the minister for NHS productivity, Lord Prior of Brampton, calling for plans to reduce legal costs in clinical negligence claims to be pushed through as soon as possible.

He noted numerous examples in which the amount paid in legal costs was significantly greater than the compensation payments made to the patient, while citing the lack of controls on the costs that can be recovered in negligence cases as a key driver for the price increases MDDUS members are facing.

MDDUS chief executive Chris Kenny said: "Not only will [legal reform] ensure far tighter management of costs at the level of the individual case, but it will have the right incentive effects in ensuring that only the strongest cases are selected and prepared in the most cost-effective manner."

With over 20 years of experience within the dental market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current dental roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.