General Dental Council
NOTE: Significant changes to the GDC’s powers and procedures are anticipated during 2006, similar to those already introduced for the GMC.
| Website | http://www.gdc-uk.org |
| Tribunal rules | Dentists Act 1984 |
| Code of Standards, etc |
The
General Dental Council Professional Conduct
Committee (Procedure) Rules 1984,
SI 1984/1517 Standards for Dental Professionals |
| Grounds for disciplinary proceedings | Serious Professional Misconduct |
| Powers of administrative suspension? |
Conviction of a criminal offence Yes, PCC can impose interim suspension |
| Settlement/conciliation procedures available? | Preliminary Screener, if appropriate thereafter to the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (sitting in private), who can refer to the Professional Conduct Committee (public hearing). If fitness to practice issues arise on health grounds the PCC may refer case to the Health Committee. |
| Who investigates? | The Preliminary Screener, then if referred to the PCC, solicitors on behalf of the GDC |
| Power of entry/search and seizure? | No |
| Power to demand information? | No |
| Pre-trial hearing? | No, unless considering interim suspension |
| Discovery of documents? | Rules for service of “documentary material” |
| Pleadings? | No formal pleadings |
| Tribunal | Professional Conduct Committee |
| Address |
The Registrar General Dental Council 27 Wimpole Street, London W1M 8QD |
| Legally qualified chairman? | No |
| Tribunal includes lay element? | Yes |
| Tribunal has legal assessor/clerk? | Yes |
| Evidence heard on oath? | Yes |
| Prosecution conducted in name of | General Dental Council |
| Prosecution usually conducted by | An external solicitor or barrister |
| Judicial rules of evidence apply? | In modified form, Procedure Rules 1984 (quasi criminal) |
| Standard of proof | Criminal |
| Maximum fine | No power to fine |
| Costs against prosecutor? | No |
| Power to order compensation? | No power to order compensation |
| Proceedings open to public? | Yes |
| Reasons given for decisions? | Reasons routinely given. Penalty guidelines published in ‘Sanctions Guidance’ 2005. |
| Where are decisions reported? | Reports are published in the public minutes of the GDC and GDC Gazette |
| Alternative to full disciplinary proceedings? | No |
| Ombudsman | No |
| Appellate tribunal | Administrative Division of the High Court |
| Is right of appeal limited? | To matters of law |
| Costs against prosecutor? | Yes |
| Right of appeal to prosecutor? | No |
Categories: Examples of disciplinary codes