ABSTRACT
The United Kingdom (UK) is exceptional in that it has three Medical Defense Organisations (MDOs), regarded as the leading MDOs, which are mutual organizations to which all dentists and doctors with a licence to practice may belong.
This Chapter briefly addresses the history of the oldest MDOs in the UK and their role in supporting and representing their members. Most of the following information about the work and role of the MDOs is in relation to medical practice but applies equally to dental practice in the UK. One of the MDOs also offers membership and support in a number of different countries other than the UK. The advice and support provided by the MDO is given by a range of professionals, including medicolegal advisers or consultants who have been specifically trained not only in a clinical specialty but also in legal medicine and who usually have a degree in law or medical law.
