Dental Bulletins

Changes to NHS guidance on Retaining Dental Records

On 8th April 2022 the NHS announced a change to its guidance on retaining dental records following a review in early 2021. They have decided to reduce the period in which dental practices must retain patient records, which will take effect on 29th April 2022. To find out what changes the NHS has made and how you can ensure you are GDPR compliant following this change, please click on the link...Read More

Covid-19: should dental practices still ask staff to self-isolate?

The government’s announcement on the 21st February that all Covid-19 restrictions will end on the 24th February, including the requirement for self-isolation following a positive test, raises many questions for those working in healthcare. This article considers the approach that dental practices can take to mitigate against Covid-19 and how staff should be managed now that the law has changed. Read More

Court of Appeal rules dental associate/practice relationship not akin to employment

On 21st July 2021 the High Court handed down its decision in Rattan v Hughes, which despite dealing mainly with claims for non-delegable duty, found the practice owner was vicariously liable for the acts of its associates. The practice owner was given permission to appeal and on Friday the Court of Appeal gave its judgment on the case. In addition to finding vicarious liability was...Read More

Employment Tribual rules Care Home Worker Not Unfairly Dismissed for Refusing Covid-19 Vaccine

The Employment Tribunal has considered the first of a tranche of anticipated claims for unfair dismissal, as a result of businesses implementing a mandatory covid-19 vaccination policy. In this case the tribunal determined that the employee had NOT been unfairly dismissed for refusing to be vaccinated. Whilst the Respondent in this case was a nursing home for the elderly, the decision to...Read More

Mandatory vaccination for NHS and health care staff? Judicial review and legal analysis

An application for judicial review has already been brought before the High Court by a number of workers within the care home sector, seeking to challenge a similar ‘vaccine mandate’ to the one debated today. Read More

Healthcare works: no jab, no job

On 22nd July 2021 the Government passed legislation that will make it compulsory for care home workers to be vaccinated as from 22nd November 2021. Given the low take up of the vaccine amongst care home staff; the risk COVID poses to the vulnerable; and the impending flu season; the Government are clearly eager to take action to protect those most at risk from Covid-19. However, this...Read More

Dental Practices be prepared – Cases of Non-Delegable Duty are on the Rise.

The recent spate of legal claims by patients against dental practices, as opposed to individual dentists, heralds a change in approach by the law firms that typically represent disgruntled patients, seeking compensation. The High Court handed down a judgement yesterday in the case of Hughes v Rattan. This case confirmed that a dental practice owed an independent, non-delegable duty of care...Read More

Menopause; Guidance for employers

The menopause: despite it affecting half of our population at some point in their lives it is rarely talked about, especially in the work place. However, for 1 in 4 women the effects of the menopause can be debilitating at times. As an employer, you have various duties including making adjustments for those with a disability and adhering to health and safety legislation. Given the issues...Read More

Business Interruption Insurance and Infectious Disease Clauses

In January 2021 the Supreme Court’s judgment in respect of business interruption insurance was a lifeline to many business across the country. However, as part of those test cases, the court was not asked to consider clauses where infectious diseases were defined. This left many still having to battle with insurers for a pay-out. A recent decision in the High Court has clarified the...Read More