The General Dental Council has produced an information sheet on indemnity to answer the questions dental professionals most frequently ask. The information sheet, which is available on the GDC website, aims to provide greater clarity and certainty to registered dental professionals on this complex issue and answers the following questions:

• Does each registrant have to have their own professional indemnity insurance and/or be a member of a defence organisation?
• Do I have to have cover or membership which includes legal advice and representation in GDC fitness to practise proceedings?
• Can I rely on my employer to cover my risks?
• Do I have to check my employer’s arrangements?
• What if there is no risk of my being sued by patients?
• What if my risks change or I change the way which I protect myself against those risks?
• If I plan to rely on an insurance policy without joining a dental defence organisation, what points do I need to check when choosing a policy?

All registered dental professionals are required to make sure there are adequate and appropriate arrangements in place so that patients can claim any compensation they may be entitled to. The GDC’s guidance, Standards for Dental Professionals, makes this clear. The Council’s Standards Committee is currently looking at the options for expanding the guidance on professional indemnity.

The frequently asked questions are available on this website or can be requested from the GDC on 020 7887 3800.

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