DDU

DDU The DDU is the specialist dental division of the MDU. Our expertise in dento-legal issues and complaints are unparalelled.

We are led and staffed by dentists who have real-life experience of the pressures and challenges you face every day. The MDU is a not-for-profit organisation wholly dedicated to our members. We offer our members expert guidance, personal support and robust defence. The MDU is led and staffed by doctors and dentists who have real-life experience of the pressures and challenges you face every day.

It can be challenging to remain calm and in control in a busy clinical environment with the weight of patient expectatio...
31/03/2026

It can be challenging to remain calm and in control in a busy clinical environment with the weight of patient expectation.

It's not surprising that mental wellbeing within the profession has declined in recent years as the dental service struggles to respond to patient need.

You might not be able to directly control pressures like workload and challenging patients, but it's important not to ignore their impact or the signs of burnout in yourself or your colleagues.

In our latest DDU journal, we cover the signs of burnout, what you can do to help colleagues and sources of support.

Read here: https://ddujournal.theddu.com/issue-archive/2026-issue-1/looking-out-for-colleagues

A huge thank you to John Makin who, after more than 15 years with us, is retiring as Head of the DDU. On his upcoming r...
24/03/2026

A huge thank you to John Makin who, after more than 15 years with us, is retiring as Head of the DDU.

On his upcoming retirement, John said: "I’m grateful to have worked with fantastic colleagues both past and present.

"But it’s the heartfelt letters of thanks from grateful members expressing their gratitude for the fantastic support that the DDU advisers give them in their hour of need that have made me most proud."

John will remain in an advisory role to support the transition as Simon Kidd takes over the reins.

Simon, a general dental practitioner who joined us in 2020, first as a dento-telephone adviser and later as a dento-legal adviser, said:

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role and am extremely proud of the outstanding work the DDU delivers for members.

"As a registered dentist, I understand the challenges of everyday practice and the pressures our members are under. It is a privilege to take up the baton from John and lead the DDU into this next chapter.”

CBCT as a concept has come up in numerous GDC fitness to practise and court cases, and it's likely that with rising use,...
18/03/2026

CBCT as a concept has come up in numerous GDC fitness to practise and court cases, and it's likely that with rising use, and increased awareness from claimants' solicitors, this will increase.

We spoke to Simon C Harvey, consultant in dental and maxillofacial radiology at The Eastman Dental Hospital and specialist in dentoalveolar CBCT, to get his expertise.

Learn what to include in CBCT reports and what to do if you see something you don't recognise: https://ddujournal.theddu.com/issue-archive/2026-issue-1/what-to-include-in-cbct-reports

13/03/2026

5 questions we've been asked at BDIA Dental Showcase today 🦷

We're back tomorrow (14 March) at the DDU stand - come along to say hi!

Confidentiality is central to patient trust, but it can raise challenging questions in day-to-day practice.Join our upco...
04/03/2026

Confidentiality is central to patient trust, but it can raise challenging questions in day-to-day practice.

Join our upcoming webinar to explore common concerns faced by dental teams, from staying safe on social media to handling requests from patients, the police and other bodies.

We’ll also cover how to meet your professional, legal and contractual responsibilities - for both you and your practice team.

Register here: https://event.eu.on24.com/wcc/r/8000186534/373935D720A6C1905E5A9CB3B1D72104?

We spoke to final-year dental hygiene and therapy student Lily Robson about her first paediatric extraction."To anyone a...
27/02/2026

We spoke to final-year dental hygiene and therapy student Lily Robson about her first paediatric extraction.

"To anyone approaching their first time, although you may be nervous, remain calm and collected, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and prepare to possibly be met with a few tears!

"Remember, at the end of the day, you’re helping improve the oral health of a child, and that’s an incredibly rewarding experience to be part of!"

Read about Lily's experience: https://www.theddu.com/for-students/features/my-first-paediatric-extraction

It's the letter that every dental professional dreads – a notification that the GDC is launching an investigation about ...
10/02/2026

It's the letter that every dental professional dreads – a notification that the GDC is launching an investigation about you.

Understanding how to respond can increase the chances of a positive outcome. Dento-legal adviser Lesley Taylor summarised her tips for BDJ Team:

🔹 Contact your defence organisation - put yourself in the best possible hands straight away and send over the requested information promptly. The sooner they have the relevant details, the sooner they can advise you effectively.

🔹 Inform others - let your employer know, as well as NHS England or your Health Board.
It can sometimes help to let family, friends or colleagues know so they can offer support, but be sure to respect patient confidentiality.

🔹 Behave professionally - the complainant may continue to attend your practice. This can be difficult so discuss with your defence organisation how to handle this situation to prevent it from causing problems for your colleagues.

🔹 Show insight - Help yourself by reflecting on what has happened and considering whether there is anything you might have done differently. Taking steps to demonstrate insight and remediate your practice can help resolve the investigation at the earliest stage.

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Ensure you're using AI safely and ethically by watching our latest webinar on demand.Learn to:- Identify key AI applicat...
27/01/2026

Ensure you're using AI safely and ethically by watching our latest webinar on demand.

Learn to:
- Identify key AI applications relevant to your field.
- Recognise the medico-legal risks associated with AI use, including issues of accountability, data privacy, and consent.
- Maintain clinical oversight when using AI as a clinical tool.

Catch up here: https://ow.ly/mOyT50XRP4K

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Friday 8am - 6pm

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The DDU is the specialist dental division of the MDU. The MDU is a not-for-profit organisation wholly dedicated to our members. We offer our members expert guidance, personal support and robust defence. The MDU is led and staffed by doctors and dentists who have real-life experience of the pressures and challenges you face every day.