Pamela Kim Richards
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Dental Nurse
First registered on:
24 Feb 2017
Current period of registration from:
24 Feb 2017 until: 31 Jul 2026
Warning from:
18 Nov 2025
until:
17 Nov 2026
Warning:
The Case Examiners considered allegations that the Registrant’s fitness to practise is impaired by reason of misconduct, conviction and health. One allegation related to the Registrant receiving a criminal conviction on 11 September 2023 for driving under the influence of alcohol contrary to section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.It is also alleged that the Registrant failed to cooperate with an investigation by the GDC and that she has an adverse health condition.
The Case Examiners determined to issue a warning published for 12 months in this case on the basis that they found a real prospect of most of the factual allegations being found proved, a real prospect of a Practice Committee finding this would establish the statutory grounds of conviction and misconduct but not health, and no real prospect of a Practice Committee finding the Registrant’s fitness to practise to be currently impaired.
However, the Case Examiners considered there was evidence to suggest that the Registrant’s overall conduct had fallen below the standards expected to a degree warranting a formal response from the General Dental Council (GDC).The Case Examiners have taken into account their Guidance Manual (November 2016) regarding the criteria to be considered when issuing a warning and their Indicative Outcomes Guidance (February 2018) in relation to examples of types of cases for which it may be appropriate to issue a warning, including in relation to criminal convictions and also where it might be appropriate to refer to a Practice Committee including when a Registrant fails to cooperate with the GDC. Based on the guidance and considering the circumstances of this case, the Case Examiners consider that a warning in this case is necessary to declare and uphold proper professional standards and maintain public confidence in the profession. Further, the Case Examiners consider that publication of the warning for a period of 12 months is appropriate and proportionate in the circumstances, and will ensure that a message is sent to the Registrant and to the wider profession regarding the importance of maintaining appropriate standards.
The Registrant is reminded that this warning will form part of her fitness to practise history, even after it is no longer published, and may need to be disclosed as required.
The Case Examiners therefore formally warn the Registrant that:
• committing a criminal offence can have an adverse effect on the wider public interest, and this conduct should not be repeated. Any further criminal convictions will be viewed seriously and will likely call into question her fitness to practise.
• she must, as required by General Dental Council’s guidance ensure that her conduct, both at work and in her personal life, justifies patients’ trust in her and the public’s trust in the dental profession.
• she must cooperate with any investigation by the General Dental Council and a failure to do so will likely call into question her fitness to practise.