Dentistry and the Law module (FM52003)

​​Ethics and law are fundamental to professional dental practice, and understanding them is essential for anyone working in forensic dentistry. This module examines the ethical frameworks that govern the dental profession and explores how dental evidence intersects with civil law, including in cases of malpractice, fraud and negligence. 

​You will study the principles of dental record-keeping, patient confidentiality and information governance, and examine how these standards apply in a forensic context. Case studies form the backbone of the module, helping you develop practical skills in case analysis and forensic dental report writing. 

​Teaching is delivered through lectures and case-based discussion, with all materials available on My Dundee. Teaching typically runs at two to three sessions per week over six weeks. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​The ethical principles that underpin dental practice and how they apply to the forensic dentist's role. 
• ​The legal framework governing dental professionals, including the distinction between dental law and dental ethics. 
• ​The requirements for making and maintaining accurate dental records, including confidentiality and information governance. 
• ​How to identify and analyse cases involving malpractice, fraud and negligence in dentistry. 
• ​How to write a forensic dental report and present findings in a civil legal context. 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Evaluate and critique the ethics of patient relations, delegation of duties and abuse in dentistry. 
• ​Apply a critical understanding of the distinction between dental law and dental ethics. 
• ​Assess and evaluate international requirements for dental record-keeping. 
• ​Analyse malpractice, negligence and fraud cases and apply the relevant claim protocols. 
• ​Interpret patient records, including issues of confidentiality, information governance and patient access to records

Assignments / assessments

​​Written assignment (80%) 

• ​A full analysis of a malpractice case followed by a forensic dental report. Word limit: 4,000 words. 

​Participation (20%) 

• ​Active engagement in class discussion and My Dundee activities throughout the module. 

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Lectures and case-based seminars. 
• ​Case study analysis and forensic report writing exercises. 
• ​All materials hosted on My Dundee. 
• ​Teaching runs at approximately two to three sessions per week over six weeks.​