Dental Law and Ethics Edited by Paul Lambden Radcliffe Medical Press introduction : This is an invaluable book for practitioners and students alike. It is written by a wide range of distinguished contributors who have expertise in all aspects of dental practice. Readable and authoritative, subjects range from confidentiality, consent, mental disabilities and negligence, and the practical aspects of managing complaints and claims. Where differences occur, as in Scotland, these are fully explained. Developments in revalidation and continuing professional education make this a timely publication which should be readily available to every dentist and dental student. It provides clear and comprehensive guidance on key legal and ethical issues, and emphasises the standards which are now expected by patients and the profession. Cornwall Preface About the editor About the contributors Acknowledgement Further acknowledgements 1 The General Dental Council Margaret Seward 2 Rights and responsibilities in dentistry Jenny King 3 Professional duties of dentists Amolak Singh 4 Resource allocation and business ethics David E Gibbons 5 The clinical relationship Christopher Dean 6 Con¢dentiality Andrew Collier 7 Consent to treatment David Corless-Smith 8 Informed consent Andrew Bridgman 9 Dental care for children Jenny King 10 Mentally disabled adults: a vulnerable group Andrew Bridgman iv Contents 11 Practising in the NHS 119 Graham Walsh 12 Negligence and litigation 139 Greg Waldron 13 Legal considerations in Scotland 153 Helen Kaney 14 Medical and dental research 165 David E Gibbons Index 175