The General Dental Council publish a number of guidance documents dealing with codes of conduct and requirements of practice for dental professionals.
The main legislation dealing with the practice and authorisation of dental professionals is the Dentists Act 1984 (as amended). The GDC’s conduct procedures allow them to deal with cases where a dental professional’s behaviour may put patients at risk and they may take action when an allegation is made that a dental professional’s fitness to practise is impaired by reason of their conduct, and may deal with issues such as poor dental treatment, inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour, or activities that may endanger the safety of patients or the public.
The principal document setting out the standards which can be expected of a dental professional is the Standards for Dental Professionals and which can be viewed at the GDC web site.
In addition to this there are a number of other useful publications including:
- Principles of dental team working
- Developing the Dental Team
- Principles of management responsibility, and
- Principles of complaints handling
In relation to regulatory and disciplinary processes, you may also want to consult (also to be found on the GDC web site):
- Guidance to the Professional Conduct Committee
- Although this document is mainly intended to provide guidance for the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) when considering cases relating to a registrant’s conduct, registrants, informants, defence and consumer agencies, and members of the public may also find it helpful. Note, however, it that should not be used as a source of legal advice.
- Guidance for the Interim Orders Committee
- Although this document is intended to provide guidance to the Interim Orders Committee (IOC) on imposing interim orders for suspension or conditional registration pending a registrant’s referral to a practice committee hearing, it may also be of use to registrants, informants, defence and consumer agencies, and members of the public. Note, however, it that should not be used as a source of legal advice.
- Guidance for the Professional Performance Committee
- Although this document is intended to provide guidance for the Professional Performance Committee (PrPC) when considering cases relating to a registrant’s alleged poor performance, it may also be used by registrants, informants, defence and consumer agencies, and members of the public. Note, however, it that should not be used as a source of legal advice.
- Guidance for the Health Committee
- Although this document is intended to provide guidance for the Health Committee (HC) when considering cases relating to a registrant’s physical or mental health, it may also be used by registrants, informants, defence and consumer agencies, and members of the public. Note, however, it that should not be used as a source of legal advice.