General Dental Council Investigations
A concern raised with the General Dental Council (GDC) about your practise can lead to serious repercussions, including a full public enquiry and a risk of having your name struck off the Register, meaning you cannot practise. Contacting a solicitor can help you navigate the General Dental Council investigations process and secure the best possible outcome.
Talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131
General Dental Council investigations can be launched if concerns are raised about a registered dental professional.
Such concerns may involve: the ability of the registrant; their health; or their professional conduct. If such a concern is raised, the GDC will launch an initial assessment of the claim. Should the claim be substantial, they will open a case, notify the registrant and begin collecting the relevant information.
A General Dental Council investigations solicitor will be able to guide your response to the claim, as this will be considered evidence by the case examiners.
The case examiners will ultimately decide whether your case requires a full public inquiry with the Dental Professionals Hearing Service or a private arrangement with the claimant. They may also decide to refer your case to the Interim Orders Committee who can decide to impose immediate restrictions on your practise, should they deem it necessary.
The full public inquiry will require you to give evidence to a committee of dental professionals and the general public, who, after hearing from all parties, can undertake a number of steps, including removing your name from the list of registered practitioners.
If you need to speak to a regulatory expert, call us on 0161 969 3131 or fill in this contact form.
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Core Ethical Principles
The General Dental Council has 9 core ethical principles of practice, they are as follows:
- Put patients’ interests first
- Communicate effectively with patients
- Obtain valid consent
- Maintain and protect patients’ information
- Have a clear and effective complaints procedure
- Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients’ best interests
- Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
- Raise concerns if patients are at risk
- Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients’ confidence in you and the dental profession
These principles are all weighted equally, and aren’t listed in any order of priority. The standards apply to many branches of the dental profession, including dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, technicians and orthodontic therapists. Standards of practice are absolute rules; proven failure to comply will see you struck off the register and unable to practise.
Each standard comes with additional guidance that is put in place to help you meet the standards. Any decision to breach guidance must be justifiable. Serious or continuous failure to follow the guidance could also see you removed from the register.
It is crucial to ensure compliance to prevent physical or mental harm to your patients and employees. Serious breaches in the GDC standards of practice can constitute a criminal offence and can warrant police involvement. If you find yourself in breach of any regulations, it is strongly advised that you seek the support of a regulatory expert at the earliest opportunity
We understand the life changing impact this can have, and so it is imperative you seek legal guidance from a regulatory expert. Our solicitors can guide you through every step of this process, helping you to get the best outcome for you and your ability to practise. We strongly encourage you to contact a solicitor as soon as you are notified of an allegation or that action is being taken.
Legal Support from Regulatory Solicitors
The regulatory team here at Slater Heelis fully understand the pressure to comply, and the lasting impact that a negative outcome can have on a dental practitioner’s reputation and career, among other things. We are experienced in handling and navigating such circumstances.
We can advise registered dental practitioners and managers in relation to the following elements of General Dental Council investigations:
- Criminal investigations and professional registration issues
- Alleged breaches of regulations
- Representation during Interim Orders, Professional Conduct Committee and review hearings
- Preparing response to Case Examiners
- Enforcement and appeals
- Inspections and regulatory compliance
- Regaining registration