The COVID-19 bite – perspectives behind two different doors

The GDC’s research also investigated the impact of the pandemic on the public. In line with the findings, we are now seeing higher numbers of patients attending for routine dental care. However, with many not receiving regular attention over the pandemic coupled with changing lifestyle and dietary habits, increasing levels of oral disease are being observed at my practices, especially amongst higher-risk groups. This pattern is likely to lead to widening of oral health inequalities.

For my team, the backlog from the pandemic has resulted in the need for significant catch up with the feeling of constantly being on the back foot. The need to adhere to new infection control guidelines has culminated in a reduction in our capacity. This has sometimes manifested in the expression of frustration by patients, due to longer waiting times and rising waiting lists, with occasional bursts of aggression and unacceptable behaviour. 

Over the past two years my practices received record levels of complaints and concerns from patients, usually due to appointment waiting times. I am also aware of patients using organisations such as the GDC to threaten and intimidate dental professionals in attempts to forcefully get what they demand. This has not been helpful, and the mental health impact on dental professionals facing such pressures and threats can be draining. It can also lead to dental professionals taking a more defensive approach to their practice, which is an area of growing concern and something that is not in the best interest of patients or dental professionals.

Impact of COVID-19 on my role as a Clinical Dental Advisor

As part of my work as a Clinical Dental Advisor (CDA), it was refreshing to see the adoption of a clear stance by the GDC at the outset of the pandemic at the Initial Assessment (triage) stage with fitness to practise matters, to ensure mindfulness and understanding of the impact of the pandemic on dental professionals and the delivery of care.

A substantial amount of my and the in-house CDA team’s work involves preparing clinical advisory reports. The pandemic has culminated in the need to carefully consider the interpretation of the ‘reasonable’ standards expected from dental professionals and in a dynamic and sensible way. We are fully aware of the pressures of the pandemic, such as the effects of cancellations and longer waiting times, rising patient expectations, the limitations of remote triage and the occasional need to provide care that may not always be in line with usual protocol. Whilst the GDC has an important role in ensuring patients receive good and safe care, as well as maintaining the confidence in the dental profession, as a CDA, I have given very careful consideration to these novel circumstances whilst preparing my reports and giving advice, with the aim of being realistic, balanced, and proportionate.

At an individual level, I am acutely aware of many fellow dental professionals who live in the constant fear of their decision-making being scrutinised and challenged especially during these very difficult times, and I hope this blog offers some reassurance. 

Looking to the future

The effects of the pandemic and other factors have provided further impetus to explore ways of tackling some of these important issues discussed above. I am aware of lots of important projects taking place at the GDC, which take these sectoral challenges into account. However, the speed of recovery from the pandemic will very much depend on the determination and collaborative efforts of key stakeholders. Whilst the pandemic has taught me that nothing is readily predictable, I am hopeful that action across all stakeholders, supported by the resilience and adaptive capacity of the dental profession, will help to bring some much-needed changes and in a timely way.