Dento-legal advisors start out in a variety of different ways

Jane’s career path was different to many other DLAs, and that gives each DLA a unique perspective.

“I started as a House Officer and then as a Senior House Officer in two London teaching hospitals, and then worked in several dental practices. This meant I was able to gain an understanding of the business that sits behind the delivery of dental care to the public, and set me in excellent stead to set up my own dental practice.”

A chance conversation

Being a DLA is not a well-known profession. For this reason, Jane encourages dentists to speak to those outside their immediate fields of practice, and keep an open mind about changes of direction.

“Often dentists can benefit from rethinking the range of career opportunities for oral healthcare providers. In fact, I got into this field quite by chance after speaking to a friend who was a qualified GP. She had changed career and was studying for a law degree whilst working as a medico-legal advisor. She said it was so satisfying supporting fellow clinicians, and I was looking for a new challenge.

I subsequently worked for many years as a dento-legal advisor for a large mutual medical indemnity provider in the dental team, and they trained me up. With each transition, I have been delighted to discover the helpful symbiosis that develops when different dental disciplines are applied to the same problem.”

Daily life

In Jane’s work as a dento-legal advisor she provides personalised advice, assists with drafting responses, and offers representation in complex cases. She is also a reassuring presence during stressful times. As Jane worked as a dentist she is really able to empathise with the issues that people face.

“My colleagues at the mutual medical indemnity provider were other DLAs, lawyers and claims advisors. The focus of the job was professional indemnity, and I helped dentists with complaints, claims, and regulatory challenges. I also dealt with risk management advice and training and educating dentists about consent, record keeping and communication, in the context of indemnity.”

Always a challenge

This is a career path where you work with professionals from various different fields of expertise.

“Being a DLA is an excellent learning experience for your understanding of dentistry and the dental team. In fact, my learning was exponential over time rather than gradual. It is also a great example of teamwork when different dental disciplines are applied to the same legal problem.”

As Jane shows, a career as a dento-legal advisor extends beyond resolving complaints or clarifying contracts. It is about building trust, strengthening the profession, and empowering dental colleagues to thrive in their careers.

Extracted from 'Open wide': Career opportunities', first published in BDJ In Practice, 2022, Vol 35, Issue 7, p26-27.