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.