Search the Registers

The General Pharmaceutical Council notified the GDC that the registrant, who is a dentist, had written a prescription for a close relative, and which was not for dental treatment, contrary to GDC guidance. The case examiners found no prospect that the registrant’s actions could be found to have been dishonest and consider that she appears to have believed she was permitted to take this action. The case examiners considered guidance in the Case Examiner Guidance Manual and Case Examiner Indicative Outcomes Guidance, and decided a warning was appropriate. This is so the registrant is fully aware of risks to public confidence in the profession, and to give her the opportunity to reflect further on how she conducts herself professionally. Publishing the warning will have the effect of highlighting to the wider profession that such conduct is unacceptable. This will in turn help protect the public and maintain public confidence in the profession. The registrant is reminded that she may need to disclose the warning in future where required, and that it will form part of her GDC ’fitness to practise’ history even after it is no longer published. The GDC’s Standards for the Dental Team (2013) sets out the standards of conduct, performance and ethics that govern dental professionals. It specifies the principles, standards and guidance which apply to all members of the dental team. It also sets out what patients can expect from their dental professionals. We have taken this into account when considering the issue of misconduct. The document includes: Standard 1.9: You must find out about laws and regulations that affect your work and follow them Standard 7.2: You must work within your knowledge, skills, professional competence and abilities Standard 9.1: You must ensure that your conduct, both at work and in your personal life, justifies patients’ trust in you and the public’s trust in the dental profession We consider there is evidence that the registrant failed to fully comply with the above requirements. The case examiners formally warn the registrant that she must in future ensure she is fully aware of the limits of her permitted practise, including in relation to prescribing powers and privileges. Any further such concerns arising are likely to be taken seriously and to lead to the GDC taking action.