When a complaint or information is received by the GDC, an investigation is undertaken. This may include obtaining expert evidence, additional information from the complainant and/or dental records. It is likely you will be asked to comment on this material before it is passed to the Investigating Committee. Any comment or admission should be carefully considered.
It is important to remember that the GDC regulate the profession as a whole and therefore allegations that are outside your professional practice, but could be seen to bring the profession into disrepute can be considered. This is even more likely if you have been convicted in the criminal courts or cautioned by the police.
A MedicAssistance Scheme solicitor can advise you on the merits of different approaches at this stage and assist in preparing documentation for submission to the Investigating Committee. This is the start of your defence and any submissions you make now will need to be consistent with those made at another committee should the matter be referred.
The Investigating Committee investigates the allegation to assess grounds and evidence and decides whether the allegations meet the realistic prospect test. If the realistic prospect test is met, the allegations will be referred for consideration by one of the fitness to practise committees.
If enough evidence is available and no further investigation is required, the Registrar refers the allegation to a Practice Committee and notifies the Committee’s decision to both the practitioner and the complainant.
The nature of the alleged impairment of fitness to practise will determine which Practice Committee should hear a case. If no issue of impairment arises, the Investigating Committee will close the case. Advice or a warning may be issued at this stage.
If you find yourself the subject of an investigation or have any concerns concerning your practice, you should contact MedicAssistanceScheme so that we can assist you in obtaining legal advice sooner rather than later. These proceedings are serious and your livelihood is at stake. MedicAssistanceSchemecan help to provide guidance and find someone to represent you throughout the various stages of the GDC disciplinary process.
