Why Patient Safety Begins Long Before Treatment Starts
3 August 2026
Most patients judge a dental practice by what they can see.
The welcome they receive at reception. The cleanliness of the surgery. The way they are spoken to. The quality of their treatment. And rightly so. But some of the most important aspects of patient care are the things patients never see.
As dentists, we spend years developing clinical skills. We learn how to diagnose disease, relieve pain, restore damaged teeth and help people smile with confidence again. Yet the longer we practise, the more we appreciate that excellent dentistry depends on far more than what happens in the dental chair. It depends on trust.
Every day, patients place an enormous amount of trust in us
Every day, patients place an enormous amount of trust in us. They share personal information, medical histories, concerns and expectations. They trust us to listen carefully, make the right decisions and put their wellbeing first. We never take that trust for granted.
In healthcare, the term governance is often used to describe the systems and processes that support safe patient care. It is not a particularly exciting word, and many patients may never hear it mentioned. Yet good governance influences almost every part of the patient experience.
It includes staff training, infection control, safeguarding, equipment maintenance, record keeping, data protection, clinical audits and the ongoing review of how a practice operates. These things may happen quietly in the background, but they matter.
We believe patient safety
At Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, near Harley Street, we believe patient safety is not something separate from patient care. It is patient care. Long before a patient sits in a treatment chair, there are systems working behind the scenes to ensure their experience is safe, professional and consistent. Equipment is checked. Team members complete training. Policies are reviewed. Clinical discussions take place. Records are maintained carefully and securely.
These tasks are not performed simply because regulations require them. They are performed because patients deserve them. One area that has become increasingly important in modern dentistry is the protection of patient information. Dental practices now rely on digital records, radiographs, photographs and secure communication systems. Patients trust us with highly personal information and have every right to expect that information to be handled responsibly.
We believe there is always room to improve
For us, protecting patient data is not simply about compliance. It is about respect. The same values that underpin good dentistry — honesty, attention to detail, consistency and accountability — also underpin good governance. In practice, excellence is rarely the result of one dramatic decision. More often, it is the result of hundreds of small decisions made every day.
- Checking something twice.
- Reviewing a process.
- Learning from experience.
- Investing in training.
- Taking the time to listen.
As clinicians, we believe there is always room to improve. Healthcare continues to evolve, and so should the systems that support it. Patients may never see the conversations that take place behind the scenes. They may never know how much thought goes into maintaining standards, protecting information or reviewing procedures. That is perfectly fine.
Cosmetic dentistry should still respect biology
Our responsibility is to ensure those systems work quietly and effectively so that patients can focus on what matters most to them: receiving excellent care and feeling confident they are in safe hands. Good governance is not about paperwork. It is not about inspections. It is about responsibility.
Ultimately, patient safety begins long before treatment starts, and some of the most important care we provide is the care our patients never see.
About the Author
This article was written by Dr Sanaz Tehrani, DDS (Germany), and Dr Pedram Negahban, DDS (Germany), Clinical Directors of Implant & Perio Clinic in Marylebone, Central London.
As dentists, we believe that great patient care is about more than treatment alone. It is about trust, honesty, attention to detail and creating an environment where patients feel comfortable, respected and listened to.
Both Dr Tehrani and Dr Negahban qualified from RWTH Aachen University in Germany before continuing their professional careers in the United Kingdom. Dr Tehrani has a particular interest in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, while Dr Negahban focuses on dental implant treatment and complex restorative care, supported by extensive postgraduate training in implant dentistry.
Together, we are committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care in a calm and welcoming environment on Portland Place, near Harley Street in the heart of Central London.
Implant & Perio Clinic is located on Portland Place, Marylebone, near Harley Street, London W1
