Law influences every aspect of human activity, and dentistry in this regard is no exception. A deficient knowledge regarding the medico-legal aspects halts the effective implementation and delivery of efficient services. In recent years, the law relating to medicine and healthcare has become increasingly complex and patients are becoming more aware of their legal rights.

This has significant consequences for medical practices and questions of legal liability and compensation.  Changes in the legal structure are also giving rise to a number of important legal problems. Ethical standards of the dental profession are seeing a steady decline, altruistic concepts being overridden by a market driven system.

Therefore, there is a need of understanding medico-legal aspects of clinical practice for all the current and prospective clinicians as well as public health personnel. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manav Rachna Dental College conducted a CDE program on “Medico-legal aspects of clinical practice”.

The CDE emphasized on these precious, but often neglected aspects of clinical practice.  Dr. Aman Raj Gupta, who has an illustrious experience with administration of public health clinical practice enlightened the audience his knowledge and experience. The organizing team consisted of Dr. Arundeep Singh, Dr. Meena Jain, Dr. Ankur Sharma, Dr. Madhuri Bhatia and Dr. Phalguni Sharma.

The program trained the participants on important topics in clinical healthcare such as  laws in healthcare, law of Torts, COPRA (Consumer Protection in healthcare), consent in patient-care and medico-legal implications, medico legal Issues and vicarious liability in healthcare. An interactive session allowed the participants to clear their doubts and talk about their experiences and problems regarding various legal facets of clinical practice.