ABSTRACT
General dental practitioners have to be good at the business of dentistry, and many of the aspects of clinical governance relating to the effective management of resources exist in most practices already. Clinical governance requires team working at all levels within the organisation. The practice principal(s) need to give effective leadership as well as enabling the correct mix of team members. Team members need to respect each other’s skills and contributions. All members should be clear about their roles and responsibilities. Dental practices are like weather systems, constantly changing and shifting. The environment is constantly altering, so the outside influences need constant monitoring. Strategies have to be flexible. The scope for delegation of clinical duties is limited by legislation in the UK. Dental hygienists are able to undertake periodontal treatment on the dentist’s prescription, and dental nurses may be able to take radiographs provided that they have received the appropriate training in this area.
