GDC updates guidance on voluntary removal applications

Registered dental professionals can ask to be removed from the register at any time, and it is normally an administrative process, except where there is a public interest in concluding an investigation.

Updated as part of the GDC’s review of its fitness to practise decision-making guidance and informed by engagement with stakeholders, the guidance is designed to assist the registrar, or those delegated to make decisions on voluntary removal on the registrar’s behalf.

The guidance aims to ensure that patient safety, public confidence, and professional standards are maintained, transparency and consistency in the approach to applications for voluntary removal are improved, and proportionality in decision-making is ensured.