Dentists are reminded to ensure treatment options and costs are clearly explained prior to treatment being provided to avoid disagreements with patients.

A recent report from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman urged dentists to be clearer with patients about what they charge to help avoid confusion.

MDDUS dental advisor Doug Hamilton suggests that, while the vast majority of dentists would never intentionally misinform a patient over treatment options and costs, there seems to be an increasing number of complaints arising from fee-related misunderstandings.

'Many of these disputes can be avoided by the provision of a cost estimate to patients prior to dental treatment being provided. Practitioners have an ethical obligation to ensure patients have clear information on charges, including the need to provide a revised estimate if at any point the proposed treatment plan requires to be amended.

'Failure to comply will not only undermine any attempts to rebut a patient's complaint, but may also lead to investigation by the GDC.'