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Ethical Scenario 31


​A patient attends your surgery and demands a cosmetic, stain removal clean under the NHS, claiming a previous dentist did this for him before. How would you manage this case. 


​​​Excellent Candidate Response
  • It should be explained to the patient that cosmetic treatment isn't generally performed under the NHS.
  • If within the practice policy, it should be explained that the patient can have stain removal but under private and the necessary costs should be explained to them prior to treatment and informed consent. 
  • A previous dentist performing this treatment has no relevance to the current situation if the treatment being requested isn't in fact an NHS treatment option. 
  • If the patient becomes abusive or rude, the staff have the right not to see him.
  • The patient is free to seek a second opinion or consult another dental practice at any stage should they wish to. 
  • It is important that the relevant information related to treatments available under the NHS or private is available to patients to see should they wish to read up on it.