The General Dental Council (GDC) has published its new ‘Guidance on reporting matters to the GDC’, consolidating reporting requirements for dental professionals into a single document.

The guidance will take effect from February 1, 2025, and clarifies the matters dental professionals must report to the GDC. The document brings together all reporting obligations— spanning health, criminal, and regulatory matters — to help professionals easily understand and meet the expectations that protect patient safety and public confidence in the profession.

The importance of professional judgment, cooperating with investigations, and maintaining public confidence in the dental profession is emphasised by the guidance.

The GDC conducted a 12-week consultation, in which respondents welcomed the consolidation, noting that the guidance provides clear direction on reporting requirements.

Respondents offered constructive suggestions, including addressing vexatious reporting by colleagues and clarifying specific language. These comments 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 GDC has encouraged dental professionals to contact the regulator or their professional indemnity provider, if they have any uncertainties about reporting obligations.

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