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Duty of Candour — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyEthics & ProfessionalismDuty of CandourMFDS Part 1

After a patient has left the practice, a dentist discovers that an error occurred during treatment which has the potential to cause the patient harm. Which action best fulfils the dentist's professional duty of candour?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Tell the patient promptly, apologise, explain the possible effects and offer appropriate remedial care or support

The correct answer is E. The GDC's professional duty of candour applies when treatment or care has gone wrong and has caused, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress. The dentist must tell the patient promptly and clearly, apologise, explain the short- and long-term implications, and offer an appropriate remedy or support where possible. The discussion and apology should also be recorded. Disclosure must not be delayed until symptoms occur or a complaint is received. Informing a manager or reporting through an appropriate incident process may also be necessary, but neither replaces direct communication with the patient. Referral to the GDC is not automatically required for every treatment error, and concern that disclosure may cause distress does not justify concealing material information.

Reference: General Dental Council. Being open and honest with patients when something goes wrong: The professional duty of candour. Effective 1 July 2016. https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/the-professional-duty-of-candour/duty-of-candour.pdf?sfvrsn=cba6dd3e_4