I was inspired to create this petition from my recent personal experience. What it revealed to me is shocking.

Does your dentist have insurance? 

It is a legal requirement by the General Dental Council for dentists to have insurance cover.  However, it has come to my attention there are dentists practicing without it - how can that be possible, especially in a position where invasive surgery is being undertaken, with the potential for risk of harm?

From my insights, it appears the General Dental Council, regulator for dentists and dental care professionals, do not monitor insurance cover for all UK dentists, leaving patients high and dry if things go wrong.

About the General Dental Council (GDC)

'We are an independent organisation which regulates dentists and dental care professionals in the UK.

We set dental standards, hold a register of qualified dental professionals, quality assure education and investigate concerns about treatment or conduct.'

'This is not a new requirement - dental professionals have always been required to have appropriate indemnity arrangements in place so that patients can claim any compensation to which they may be entitled. This requirement is part of the Standards.' - GDC website
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/your-registration/indemnity

When a dentist registers with the GDC, it is my understanding they are expected to simply tick a box to confirm they have insurance cover, with no requirement to submit copy documentation. To my knowledge declarations are not checked or monitored, unless there is a complaint made to the GDC and it is brought to their attention.

If a dentist does not have insurance, and a patient has an issue with treatment, requiring reimbursement and/or compensation, a No Win No Fee solicitor is unlikely to represent the patient, as there are no guarantees of payment. This leaves a patient very vulnerable.  Some may need corrective surgery, having spent all monies, or taking out debt to pay for the failed treatment, with no funds left for treatment or private legal fees.  They may also find themselves in a position where other dentists will not treat them, as a consequence of raising concerns to the Regulator.

Whilst the GDC have a Department to assist patients re-claim monies paid, they inform me even after a Hearing, it is up to the dentist whether they pay or not.  They are unable to force the dentist to refund a patient.  The patient has had to endure a  stressful process, whilst financially compromised, and possibly have unresolved dental issues impacting greatly on their life.

My call for action, to help protect patients I consider a reasonable request.  I can see no reason why this should not be relatively simple and reasonable to implement by the General Dental Council:

1. For all UK dentists to submit a copy of their insurance certificate when registering
2. For monitoring of all UK dentist insurance cover, to ensure no lapse in cover

This petition is important for everyone in the UK, I hope you will choose to support it.  Thank you.

Jenny Moore