GDC consults on an update to judgment guidance for fitness to practice hearings

The service considers allegations where a public protection issue or concern has been raised about a dental professional’s behaviour, clinical practice or health.

The regulator said the move better aligns with the guidance of the four stages of a hearing and makes it easier to understand.

Stefan Czerniawski, executive director of strategy at the GDC, said, “We are proposing revisions to the guidance, to ensure that dental professionals and the public can be confident that decision making is transparent, consistent and proportionate.”

The changes include guidance on discrimination and harassment, special measures to support vulnerable witnesses and reasonable adjustments for registrants.

Stefan added, “There is also guidance on sexual misconduct that underlines the seriousness of this type of behaviour and makes it clear that cases in which the victim is a member of the dental team are no less serious than those relating to patients.”