2022, issue 23

Private messaging with patients

Jo-Anne Taylor
ByJo-Anne Taylor
Published28 September 2022
Most of us are familiar with instant or direct messaging through apps or social media - but is it an appropriate way to communicate with patients?

A simple conversation could develop into a clinical enquiry - or even escalate into a complaint.

Dental complaints e-learning

If a complaint is received via direct messaging platform, it should be handled in accordance with the workplace's complaints handling policy.

This page was correct at publication on 28/09/2022. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Jo-Anne Taylor
Dento-legal adviser

B.Ch.d (Hons) MSc, PG Cert Medical Education, PG. Cert Medical Aesthetics, SFHEA. Jo qualified from Leeds Dental Institute in 1991 and spent 16 years providing general dental services in the UK and Australia. She has worked in private and NHS practice as well as in the Community Dental Services. Jo is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has held several teaching posts in Yorkshire and more recently in Hampshire, where among other roles she worked as Associate Head (Education) at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy. Jo joined the DDU as a telephone adviser in 2020 and began working as a dento-legal adviser in 2021.

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