GDC Defence Barristers
We are leading medical and healthcare defence barristers acting for a range of dental practitioners in all matters relating to their fitness to practise before the General Dental Council (GDC).
We are leading medical and healthcare defence barristers acting for a range of dental practitioners in all matters relating to their fitness to practise before the General Dental Council (GDC).
We represent and advise a range of dental practitioners before the General Dental Council including:
- Dentists
- Dental therapists and dental hygienists
- Dental nurses
- Dental technicians
- Clinical dental technicians
- Orthodontic therapists
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Our experience include acting for dentists and other dental practitioners from both the NHS and private sector who work in across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland).
Any dentist or dental practitioner facing proceedings before any General Dental Council (GDC) committee, must seek specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity for the best outcome.
With our experience in the criminal courts and other adversarial tribunals, we have gained special expertise and understanding at contested hearings. Our strategic approach often leads to a early case conclusions and at times without the need for full fitness to practise committee hearings.
We are rated excellent by our clients for our regulatory defence service and customer service.
Contact us today for an initial free and no obligation consultation on 020 7060 1221 or administration@kingsviewchambers.com.
General Dental Council (GDC) Disciplinary Process
All dentists and dental practitioners are expected to work to the fitness to practise standards set by the General Dental Council (GDC). Where the GDC receives complaints or concerns about the fitness of a dentist or dental practitioner to practise, they will investigate the complaint and may decide to instigate formal disciplinary procedures.
The GDC Investigating Committee is responsible for investigating allegations to assess grounds and evidence and decides whether it should be considered by one of the fitness to practise committees:
- Professional Performance Committee
- Health Committee
- Professional Conduct Committee
The Investigating Committee can also deicide to issue an interim order which can result in an interim suspension or conditional registration. Sanctions available are either an ‘interim suspension order’ for up to 18 months or an ‘order for interim conditional registration’ for up to 18 months.
If at the conclusion of the investigation the Investigating Committee is of the view that sufficient evidence is available investigation is required, it will refer the matter to one of the fitness to practise committees listed above, depending on the nature of the complaint or allegation.
If one of the fitness to practise committees concludes that a dentist or dental practitioner’s fitness is not impaired, it can give a warning or advice regarding future conduct. If, however a fitness to practise committee has found that a dentist or dental practitioner’s fitness has been impaired it can issue one of the following sanctions:
- removal from register (only by Professional Conduct Committee);
- registration suspended for up to 12 months;
- conditional registration for up to 3 years;
- suspension/conditional registration may be extended at a later date.
If the Investigating committee concludes there is no case to answer, it will close the investigation and may provide advice or issue a warning.
Contact us today for an initial free and no obligation consultation on 020 7060 1221 or administration@kingsviewchambers.com.
GDC News and Blog
Fitness to Practise Performance Review of the General Dental Council – 3/5 score
The performance review of the GDC by the PSA has revealed that the GDC is only meeting 3 out of 5 standards of good regulation in fitness to practise.
Fitness to Practise – importance of “public trust and confidence in the profession”
The recent high profile case of an Optometrist has again illustrated the significance of upholding public trust and confidence in the healthcare profession.
Contextual factors in fitness to practise during Covid19
Contextual factors in fitness to practise is not new but Covid has laid bare the reality of medical practice, difficult decisions & stressful workplaces.
The future looks bright – Fitness to Practise beyond Covid
Whilst there are many things about Covid that is devastating, a positive is that it forced healthcare regulators to reform, adapt and do so quickly.
What is an interim order?
A NMC statement on a nurse charged with murder confirmed the issue will be given considered by a interim order hearing. What is an interim order?
BAME & other factors disproportionately affecting fitness to practise
Evidence shows that BAME healthcare workers are disproportionately impacted by fitness to practise proceedings but also that legal representation is key to good outcomes.
Annual healthcare regulators whistleblowing report 2020
The UK’s healthcare regulators have published their annual whistleblowing report the 12 months from April 2019 to March 2020.
Dishonesty in fitness to practise cases
Openness, transparency and fairness are fundamental principles in health and social care. This might appear obvious but in clinical practise the reality is much more complicated.
Public perspectives on future fitness to practise
PSA research on public perspectives on future of fitness to practise, how public would wish to be involved and views on oversight arrangements.
The Future of Healthcare Regulation according to Matt Hancock
What impact did the Covid19 pandemic have on the future of health and social care regulation in the UK?
The service l received from Kings View Chambers was exceptional. The Barrister who represented me was the best representative ever.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone going through legal advice etc.