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Holden ACL, Spallek H. J Law Med 2018; 25: 794–799

Dental professionals may receive gifts or incentives from patients, dental suppliers or colleagues seeking referrals. Patient gifts may range from a simple thank you card, to an offer of a day on a yacht. Suppliers may offer free toothbrushes and toothpaste or CPD courses. Specialist colleagues may offer free lunch and learn sessions as an inducement for referrals. The authors argue that even the simple thank you card, although it would be churlish (and impossible) to refuse, may induce unconscious bias in the care giver and alter the relationship between patient and professional, by creating an obligation to preferential treatment.

Dentistry can be a lonely profession and sponsored social events serve a useful function. Any recognition of a service well provided adds to job satisfaction. Others argue, however, that all gifts should be rejected. Because of the risks of conflicts of interest and erosion of trust, this issue needs discussion in order to protect the integrity of the profession.