Representation at fitness to practice hearings?

Figures released by the General Dental Council (GDC) in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that 72 per cent of Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) did not have legal representation when facing a GDC Fitness to Practise hearing.

The figures also show that 77 per cent of DCPs without legal representation were suspended or erased from the Register and only 10 per cent were concluded with no adverse findings. However, only 32 per cent of those with legal representation were suspended or erased and 39 per cent were concluded with no adverse findings.

In response to a query on this subject by Dental Review (www.dentalreview.news), a spokesperson for the GDC said, “While the vast majority of dental professionals will never be involved in a fitness to practise investigation we have spoken before about the importance of engaging in the process for those who have had a concern raised about them. The findings of our research on The concept of seriousness in fitness to practise, published earlier this year, highlighted the potential for more adverse outcomes in cases where professionals either do not engage or where they represent themselves. It also found that dentists were reported as having higher levels of representation when compared to dental care professionals. The requirements for healthcare professionals’ indemnity are set by government and we will provide support as needed for any work on this issue.”