An impending ICT disaster

A recent cry for help from a bewildered practice manager trying to understand the CQC regulations that apply to dental websites has prompted me to take a closer look at the advice that is currently being offered.

Having attended a seminar designed to help her navigate through the jungle of new regulations, the practice manager had come away alarmed, of all things, at the prospect of inadvertently contravening the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005. It is the threatening nature of some of the latest regulations that concerns me most and a little clarity and common sense is sorely needed.

A number of phone calls to the GDC and BDA concerning dental practice websites and the use of email have revealed a worrying lack of understanding, even amongst those responsible for the compliance side of things. It appears to be impossible to source advice that comes with professional authority and removes any lingering doubts, either through fear of being liable should they offer inaccurate information or perhaps because they simply do not comprehend the issues themselves.