The guidance will take effect from February 1, 2025, and clarifies the matters dental professionals must report to the GDC. The document brings together all reporting obligations— spanning health, criminal, and regulatory matters — to help professionals easily understand and meet the expectations that protect patient safety and public confidence in the profession.
The importance of professional judgment, cooperating with investigations, and maintaining public confidence in the dental profession is emphasised by the guidance.
The GDC conducted a 12-week consultation, in which respondents welcomed the consolidation, noting that the guidance provides clear direction on reporting requirements.
Respondents offered constructive suggestions, including addressing vexatious reporting by colleagues and clarifying specific language. These comments were carefully considered and incorporated into the final guidance to enhance usability.
Stefan Czerniawski, executive director of strategy at the GDC, said, “It is essential that dental professionals understand the matters that need to be reported to the GDC. By clarifying their reporting obligations, we aim to support dental professionals in maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and public confidence.
“After collaborating with and listening to feedback from stakeholders across the profession, we've created guidance that clarifies professional obligations and enhances patient safety. The consultation feedback helped shape the guidance, and we are committed to supporting registrants in meeting their professional duties.”
The GDC has encouraged dental professionals to contact the regulator or their professional indemnity provider, if they have any uncertainties about reporting obligations.
Raj Rattan, dental director at Dental Protection, said, “We know from supporting members that declaring information about yourself to the GDC can be very stressful. If you are charged with a criminal offence – including road traffic offences – knowing that this could potentially impact your professional registration can be a real concern. The same is true for professionals with health issues that impact their practice and who are often already dealing with a range of challenges prior to involving their regulator.
“We welcome the clarity that this new guidance will provide. It is a good thing to have guidance that brings together all the requirements and although we know that there is more to do, this is a step in the right direction.
“However, the GDC should be doing more to encourage local resolution of conduct and performance issues – whilst this is called out in the guidance, it could and should be highlighted better.
“Dental Protection members should seek advice and support from us before any self-referral, and if in any doubt as to whether to self-refer. For serious offences, the impact on public confidence needs to be carefully considered, and whether informing the GDC would help maintain confidence in the profession.”