Regulator publishes new guidance on matters dental professionals must report
Reporting requirements have been consolidated into a single, comprehensive document.
The General Dental Council (GDC) has published new Guidance on Reporting Matters to the GDC, consolidating reporting requirements for dental professionals into a single, comprehensive document.
The new guidance will take effect from 1 February 2025 and clarifies the matters dental professionals must report to the GDC. The guidance brings together all reporting obligations – spanning health, criminal, and regulatory matters – into one place, helping professionals to more easily understand and meet the expectations that protect patient safety and public confidence in the profession.
The GDC conducted a 12-week consultation, with respondents welcoming the consolidation, noting that the new guidance provides clear direction on reporting requirements. Respondents offered constructive suggestions, including addressing vexatious reporting by colleagues and clarifying specific language, which 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 guidance emphasises the importance of using professional judgment, cooperating with investigations, and maintaining public confidence in the dental profession. The guidance forms part of the GDC’s wider efforts to enhance professionalism in dentistry and shift towards a more preventative approach to regulation.
Dental professionals are encouraged to contact the GDC or their professional indemnity provider if they have any uncertainties about reporting obligations.
The new guidance and consultation outcome report are available on the GDC website.
Support for those facing a fitness to practise investigation: https://www.gdc-uk.org/raising-concerns/dental-professionals-facing-a-concern/support-for-those-facing-a-fitness-to-practise-investigation