Case study: Implants and your responsibilities as a general dental practitioner

Implants placed by a different clinician: How much responsibility do you have?

Imagine you have just admitted a new patient into your practice. During the initial examination, you discover that the patient has an implant placed by another clinician. Since implant treatments are outside of your usual scope of practice, you might start questioning your responsibilities in this scenario.

As Len D'Cruz, Head of BDA Indemnity, explains, "While you may not have placed the implant yourself, as a general dental practitioner, you still hold a duty of care for the patient’s ongoing treatment and any implants they may have."

But how far does that responsibility extend?

Assessing the patient's understanding and existing care

"It is imperative to first assess the patient's understanding of their implant," advises D'Cruz. "Determine if there is an existing maintenance programme established by the original clinician." This initial step ensures that both you and the patient are aware of any ongoing care plans.

“In cases where no maintenance programme exists,” D'Cruz says, "You have a duty of care to monitor the health of the implant yourself. This involves regular check-ups and ensuring the implant remains in good condition. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to complications, and as the overseeing clinician, you could be held accountable," he warns.

If you are unfamiliar with implants

If you lack experience with implants, D'Cruz recommends utilising resources such as the Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) to familiarise yourself with implant care. He adds, "Continuous professional development is key. If you are not confident in managing the implant, consider referring the patient to a colleague with the necessary expertise."

Understanding dento-legal implications

Concerns about dento-legal consequences, especially when implants are placed abroad, are common. D'Cruz reassures, "It is natural to be apprehensive, but remember, support is available. At BDA Indemnity, we offer dentist-to-dentist support. You can contact our indemnity team at any time for guidance."

Considering offering implant treatments in the future

For those contemplating offering implant treatments, D'Cruz highlights, "If you choose our implant cover, you will not be charged any additional costs for sinus lifts or bone grafting in maxillary and mandibular areas." This comprehensive coverage ensures that practitioners can expand their services without incurring unexpected expenses.

In summary, even if you did not place an implant yourself, as a general dental practitioner, you may have a duty of care to monitor and maintain it if the patient does not have an ongoing maintenance plan with the dentist, practice or site where the implant was placed. As such, you should ask the patient about what maintenance advice they received when the implant was placed. It is likely that as a GDP you will become involved at some stage of the life of the implant. Utilising available resources, seeking support when needed, and considering future training can help you manage these responsibilities effectively.