The words to use
- Duty of candour
- Being open and honest with patients when something goes wrong: tell them, apologise, explain and put it right. A professional duty for individuals and a legal duty for providers.
- Notifiable safety incident
- Under CQC regulation 20, an unexpected incident causing harm such as death, lasting impairment, prolonged pain or a change to the structure of the body.
- Bolam test
- Treatment is not negligent if a responsible body of professionals would accept it as proper. Bolitho adds that the body's view must withstand logical analysis.
- Indemnity
- Cover that pays compensation if a patient is harmed by your treatment. GDC registrants must have appropriate indemnity or insurance before they practise.
- Fitness to practise
- Whether a dental professional meets the GDC's standards and can be trusted to treat patients. How you respond after an error, especially your honesty, is part of that judgement.
