Dentists (Indemnity Arrangements) Bill
The above Bill was to have its second reading before the House of Commons on 11 July 2025. However, this has been postponed to 12 September 2025, a date when the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting.
It has been tabled following the case of Clive Worthington, a dental patient who suffered complications from implant surgery leading to an award of damages in his favour. Despite a successful claim of over £117,000 in damages and legal fees, that sum was not paid even though the treating dentist had indemnity. The dentist’s defence organisation used its discretion not to assist the treating defendant dentist, so Mr Worthington did not receive any of the damages or costs awarded to him.
This private member’s bill aims to ensure a change in the law and that indemnity arrangements for dentists are amended away from the current discretionary indemnity. It is suggested there is a concern that the current coverage offerings do not provide sufficient cover for patients harmed by negligent dental practices. The Bill seeks to change the law so that dentists move to have a policy of insurance rather than discretionary cover. If passed, the Bill is said to enhance patient safety.
