Professional behaviour outside of the practice

Professionalism is under increasing scrutiny across the health and social care professions. Fitness to practise cases heard by the General Dental Council (GDC) often include components of inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour that would not be captured by competency testing. These behaviours include issues relating to substance abuse, theft or sexual assault against patients or service users. The GDC also states, in Standards for the Dental Team: ‘Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients' confidence in you and the dental profession’ (GDC, 2013) As a registered member with the GDC, you must ensure that your conduct, both at work and in your personal life, justifies patients' trust in you and the public's trust in the dental profession.