Reference/Features

Periodontal records – staying out of trouble

3 mins read Communication/patient education
Periodontal treatment can be a significant cause of patient complaint or claim. Andrew Collier illustrates the importance of records in helping to prevent those problems

Records are a vital part of clinical and dento-legal risk management. They confirm that the other two parts of risk management – the treatment and the communication (including the consent process) – have been completed.

General Dental Council (GDC) guidance Standards for the Dental Team includes in paragraph 4.1.1: ‘You must make and keep complete and accurate patient records...’ and includes in paragraph 4.1.2 ‘You should record as much detail as possible about the discussions you have with your patients, including evidence that valid consent has been obtained…’

GDC guidance therefore confirms the need for completeness and accuracy of records – both in terms of the actual treatment and also discussions with the patient. The following case illustrates potential problems and the role records play in prevention and resolution.

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