Legislation And Ethics In Dental Practice

Question 1

What is autonomy

Answer 1

Having the right to decide what does or does not happen to us

Enables people to have authority over own health choices

Question 2

Dentists act 1984

Answer 2

Provides the foundation on for the regulation of teh dental profession in the UK

Outlines roles and responsibilities of GDC such as
- registration
- regulation of dental education
- handling fitness to practice issues

Ensures..
Ensures only qualified individuals can practice
Establishes gDC power to take disciplinary action against practitioners who do not meet required standards

Question 3

Obtaining valid consent is a fundamental legal and ethical requirement

Consent must be

Answer 3

1. Informed - pt must understand tx, benefits, risk, alternative
2. Voluntary - consent must be given without coercion
3. Competent - pt must have capacity to make decisions about their care

GDC guidelines on consent
- always communicate clearly with pt
- record consent in the pt notes

Question 4

Maintaining fitness to practice = commitment to ethical and professional standards set by the GDC

Answer 4

1. Professional behaviour inside and outside the workplace
2. Maintaining health and wellbeing
3. Avoiding actions that might bring the profession into dispute