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Your first years as a dentist are likely to hold some of the most memorable and challenging experiences of your life. Build firm foundations during your training with our support.
As well as providing support for your professional development, we can help with many types of dento-legal issues including, disciplinary matters relating to your clinical care and responding to complaints.
If these situations happen it can be very distressing and seeking advice and support is essential. The DDU offers exactly this to our members.
We provide guidance, support, and defence if your clinical competence or care of patients is questioned.
Over 99% of members were assisted by the DDU over the last 5 years.
In 2022, almost 80% of GDC cases handled by in-house lawyers were resolved without a formal hearing.
Indemnity for clinical negligence claims and Good Samaritan acts.
Access to our 24-hour advice line for dento-legal emergencies or urgent queries.
Support for a range of issues such as responding to patient complaints, complaints to the GDC, disciplinary hearings and criminal investigations arising from your clinical practice.
Access to a wealth of advice on our website, in the DDU journal, and on the DDU app.
Free contract checking and advice service for associate agreements.
Support for your professional development including webinars and e-learning modules on popular topics such as social media, complaints and health and wellbeing.
Foundation dentist membership is £10* for 13 months and starts on the first day of the month following your qualification.
Apply now and get two free gifts when you graduate, including a name badge and your choice of either:
*Valid 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
Simply fill out our foundation dentist application form.
Last year I was unfortunate enough to receive a GDC complaint. Having only qualified a few months prior, the complaint was a huge shock for me and nearly led me to terminating my career. The DDU really held my hand throughout the whole process, advising me on what to do, reassuring me, and helping me draft replies. Thankfully the case was closed a few months later with no repercussions.”
Members said...
All dental professionals registered with the GDC are required to make sure they have adequate and appropriate indemnity arrangements in place.
Dental professionals need to be indemnified for claims at all times including for work done in the past, whether working privately or within the NHS. Indemnity is needed to cover the cost of compensating a patient who has been negligently damaged.
We believe it’s in your best interests to have access to independent dento-legal advice and support. Although indemnity provided by an NHS body should protect you against clinical negligence claims, your employer is not liable for the legal costs arising from a GDC investigation. And without membership of a defence organisation you would find yourself unsupported if you faced a GDC complaint.
If you face a disciplinary investigation and hearing by your employer about your clinical practice, your employer will not provide you with representation. Also, you will not be indemnified for any work you do independently or privately.