About this course
The Mental Capacity Act is designed to protect and empower people who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. It applies to people aged 16 and over. This course helps you understand its importance and relevance in dental practice.
This course is a GDC Recommended CPD Topic (Legal & Ethical Issues).
This course is relevant to the whole dental team.
CPD Time: 1 hour (1 CE Credit)
Customer feedback on this course
- Very Informative, gave good information about the legal structures in place and it was good to be updated on this.
- This module has made me think an awful lot about how I convey treatment options to patients.
- Made a complex subject easy to understand.
- Fundamental topic for anyone involved in patient care
- Very important aspect of day to day treatment, well presented.
Assessment: 12 MCQs. Pass mark 75%. more…
On passing the assessment you will immediately receive a GDC-recognised Enhanced CPD Certificate.
Access: You will have access for 12 months, and can take the course as often as you wish in this period.
Aim
The aim of the learning and teaching materials in this course is to allow learners to develop their professional understanding and ability to apply the Mental Capacity Act in the healthcare context, in line with their identified personal learning requirements.
Course objectives
• To present a comprehensive overview of the Mental Capacity Act.
• To show how the Mental Capacity Act applies in practice.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will
• be able to identify when a person lacks capacity.
• know what procedures to adopt when there is incapacity.
• know who to contact to resolve doubt about capacity.
• through achieving these outcomes, provide an improved level of service to their patients.
GDC Development Outcomes
A B D
Learning content:
MCA Welcome | Assessment of Mental Capacity | Helping People Make Their Own Decisions | Best Interests | The Least Restrictive Option | Advance Statements and Decisions | Lasting Powers of Attorney | The Court of Protection | Scottish Law | Professionals' Duties Under the Mental Capacity Act | Course Completion
View full course description
The Mental Capacity Act
Course Description
MCA Welcome
An introduction to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), which protects and enables individuals who may lack the capacity to make decisions about their care. This section explains the importance of the MCA in healthcare and its relevance to dental practice.
Assessment of Mental Capacity
This section covers the two-stage test used to assess a person's mental capacity and the factors affecting capacity. It provides guidance on how to determine whether a patient can make a specific decision and the need for legal advice in complex cases.
Helping People Make Their Own Decisions
Learn strategies to support patients in making their own decisions, such as providing information in an accessible format, looking at alternative communication methods, and considering optimal times and settings for decision-making.
Best Interests
When a patient lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests. This section outlines the MCA's checklist for best-interest decisions, including consulting with family, carers, and legal representatives to ensure the patient's needs and wishes are respected.
The Least Restrictive Option
This section explains how to choose the least restrictive option when making decisions for someone who lacks capacity, ensuring that their basic rights and freedoms are preserved while still meeting the necessary treatment goals.
Advance Statements and Decisions
Learn the difference between advance statements, which express care preferences, and advance decisions, which are legally binding refusals of specific medical treatments. This section explains the legal requirements for valid advance decisions.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Covers the role of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), who can make decisions on behalf of someone who lacks capacity. This section discusses the process of appointing an LPA and the responsibilities of attorneys under the MCA.
The Court of Protection
The Court of Protection oversees disputes and serious healthcare decisions for individuals lacking capacity. This section explains how the court resolves conflicts and appoints deputies to act in the best interests of patients when necessary.
Scottish Law
An overview of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, which governs decisions for those lacking capacity in Scotland. It highlights the five key principles and the role of welfare attorneys and the Mental Welfare Commission in safeguarding patient rights.
Professionals' Duties Under the Mental Capacity Act
This section outlines the responsibilities of healthcare professionals, including dentists, under the MCA. It emphasises the role of the decision-maker in determining best interests and the importance of balancing differing views in complex cases.
Course Completion
Participants will provide feedback, take a multiple-choice exam, and receive a GDC-compliant CPD certificate. The course emphasises the practical application of the Mental Capacity Act in dental care and decision-making.
You can copy and adapt this example PDP entry for your own needs and circumstances. The format complies with GDC guidance on PDP structure.
| PDP Learning or Maintenance need |
| Understanding the Mental Capacity Act |
| How does this relate to my field of practice? |
| This law underpins patient consent to examination and treatment. |
| Which development outcome(s) does it link to? |
| ABD |
| What benefit will this have to my work? |
| Perform tasks that are required for my daily role/duties. |
| How will I meet this learning or maintenance need? |
| Take the Verified Learning course on the Mental Capacity Act |
| When will I complete the activity? |