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IN-PERSON EVENT, hosted by the BDA's Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group

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Working towards GDC registration?

Become an Essential Affiliate member for just £33 for the year and attend these eight evening lectures for free, saving you £400!

Already GDC registered?

Become an Essential member and join our community of overseas-qualified dentists beginning their professional journey with us.

Or call / email our Membership team for help - 020 7563 4550 / [email protected] 

What to expect

This evening's lectures will help overseas-qualified dentists understand the concept of indemnity cover, its legal necessity in the UK, and how it supports professional practice. The session will also explore risk management, ethical responsibilities, and teamwork within the dental profession.

You'll have the opportunity to meet with and hear from key members of the BDA's Indemnity team.

Timings

18:15/30 Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition time 

19:00 Welcome and introduction from the BDA

Lectures from Len D'Cruz and Bindiya Thakrar

20:30 Networking

21:00 Ends

Learning objectives

  • Define indemnity cover and explain its importance in UK dental practice
  • Understand the legal requirements for indemnity under GDC regulations
  • Identify the differences between UK and international approaches to litigation and indemnity
  • Apply time management and professional responsibility strategies in daily practice
  • Recognise the roles and autonomy of Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) within the dental team
  • Understand the ethical and professional standards expected in UK dentistry.

Development outcomes

B and D

Meet the speakers

Len D'Cruz Head of Indemnity, British Dental Association
Bindiya Thakrar Dento-Legal Adviser, British Dental Association

More information

What is indemnity cover and why do you need it in the UK?

Understanding indemnity cover

  • What indemnity means and why it’s unfamiliar in some countries
  • Legal requirement for UK dentists to have appropriate cover
  • Types of cover: occurrence-based vs. claims-made policies
  • What indemnity protects against: negligence, malpractice, legal fees, compensation.

Litigation and risk in UK dentistry

  • How litigation differs from other countries
  • Importance of accurate patient records and informed consent
  • Risk management strategies: communication, documentation, clinical guidelines.

Time management and professional responsibilities

  • Balancing clinical workload with ethical obligations
  • Tips for managing time effectively while maintaining standards
  • Avoiding burnout and maintaining professionalism.

Working as a dental team

  • Overview of the GDC Standards for the Dental Team
  • Roles and responsibilities of DCPs
  • Autonomy and scope of practice within the team
  • Importance of collaboration and mutual respect.

Ethics and professionalism

  • Ethical principles in UK dentistry: patient-centred care, honesty, integrity
  • Maintaining professionalism in challenging situations
  • Reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Please email [email protected] with any dietary requirements.

Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ

Warren Suite and Oxford Suite, Third Floor

 

By bus
There are many buses stopping within a few minutes walk of Hallam Street, including numbers: 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 25, 88, 94, 137, 159, 189, 453 and C2.

By rail
Marylebone, Euston and Kings Cross St Pancras Stations are all within 10 minutes taxi rides or alternatively 15 minutes by Underground. Paddington Station (which has a direct link to Heathrow every 15 minutes) is 20 minutes walk or 10 minutes in a taxi.

By underground

The nearest stations are Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus

Great Portland Street
Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan – 5 minutes walk

Leave the station, walk South down Great Portland Street. At the traffic lights, cross over the street and continue down the road. Turn right into Devonshire Street and immediately left into Hallam Street at The Masons Arms. Continue down the road, cross Weymouth Street and walk down the road, you will then shortly arrive at 44 Hallam Street.

Oxford Circus
Bakerloo, Central, Victoria – 5 minutes walk

Leave the Tube using Exit 4, which will bring you out on the North side of Oxford Street by Ikea. Walk North away from Oxford Circus with Ikea on your left. The road starts to curve round to the left as Regent St becomes Langham Place. Cross the street at the zebra crossing and walk towards the BBC’s main entrance. Just before the entrance turn right and then left up to 44 Hallam Street.

By car
To plan your journey by car visit The AA’s Route Planner and enter the venue's postcode: W1W 6JJ. Please note that this events venue is within the Congestion Charge Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone.

There is on-street parking nearby, see: Parking in Westminster for more information. The nearest NCP car park is at 6-7 Weymouth Mews.

Venue map

BDA's Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group

A community group for dentists qualified outside of the UK and now working, or looking to work, as a dentist in the UK. A monthly CPD lecture from September 2025 to April 2026, which is free to attend for BDA members and provides an opportunity to network with other dentists, BDA advisers and key external advisers.