Dental patient care and safety advice for dentists

In this section you will find advice and support on patient care and safety regulations in dentistry, including infection prevention and control, risk assessments and prescribing. You will also find our popular 'Was not brought' safeguarding resources.

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Dental amalgam

We’ve put together some advice providing information on the use of dental amalgam in the UK. You will also find answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic.

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Latest patient care and safety news

Sign our petition: Make sugar the new tobacco

Our latest research highlights the shocking amount of sugar in some baby food pouches, and we are encouraging all dental team members to join our call for government to take action.

Class 4 Medicines Defect Notification: Azithromycin 250 mg capsules

Jubilant Pharmaceuticals NV has warned of the wrong Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Medicines recall: Paracetamol 500mg tablets

Boots have recalled their own label Paracetamol 500mg tablets.

Government challenged to deliver on supervised toothbrushing

The Government has made the right call on supervised toothbrushing, but it needs to put its money where its mouth is.

Northern Ireland: Prohibition on the use of dental amalgam for non-UK residents

The rules have changed in relation to providing amalgam fillings to non-UK residents. Since 1 January 2025, dental amalgam can only be used in Northern Ireland for patients living in the United Kingdom.

Scotland: Changes to our members’ advice section for the PVG scheme

Stay informed about what you need to do when working with children or vulnerable adults.

Northern Ireland: What we have achieved in 2024

The best from this year, from amalgam derogation to pay uplifts and enhanced funding.

Primary care united on Scotland’s £40 million NI Hike

Voices from across primary care have come together with a simple message for the Scottish Government: failure to protect us from the National Insurance hike will have real consequences for the communities we serve.

COVID vaccinations in England for autumn

Dental teams should have access to COVID-19 inoculations.

Measles has re-emerged in England

Identifying and managing dental patients with measles.

Oliver McGowan training on learning disability and autism

Mandatory training courses are expected to be available later this year.

Prescribing exemptions for dental therapists and dental hygienists

NHS England's guidance supports dental teams to use new prescribing exemptions. Staff can register for a free webinar to learn more.

For extra and expert members

Contact our compliance team

We help members stay on top of changing regulations, and ensure their practices are safe and comply with national standards. If you're an Extra or Expert member, you have access to unlimited one-to-one advice from us via phone or email, in addition to the online guidance.

Patient care and safety

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Assessment and safeguarding

Health, safety and risk assessment

Safeguarding: Was not brought

Infection prevention and control

Medical emergencies

Prescribing

Recently updated

Safeguarding patients

Supporting Muslim dental patients observing Ramadan

Safety precautions during out-of-hours care and domiciliary visits

Managing abusive patients

Using dental amalgam in the UK

Receiving New Patient Premium payments as an associate

Disability discrimination - dentists as service providers

Sepsis

Tooth whitening

Consent

Medical devices