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The Case Examiners considered allegations which relate to the Registrant being convicted at Court on 29 June 2023, of an offence under Section 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, possession of a controlled drug, that the Registrant failed to immediately inform the General Dental Council of this conviction, that her application to join the General Dental Council’s register did not declare this conviction, and associated misleading conduct. The Case Examiners were satisfied that there was a real prospect of these factual allegations being found proved and there was a real prospect of the statutory grounds of misconduct and conviction being established by a Practice Committee. They also determined that due to the nature of the allegations, and the low likelihood of repetition of these actions, there was no real prospect of the Registrant’s current fitness to practise being found to be impaired. The Case Examiners reminded themselves, in respect of the conviction, that the Registrant has been dealt with by the criminal justice system, and that it is not the Case Examiners’ role, nor the purpose of the fitness to practise process, to punish the Registrant for a second time. However, to close the case without action would fail to take into account the need to declare and uphold proper standards of conduct and the need to maintain public confidence in the dental profession. The Case Examiners consider that by the nature of the matters leading to the Registrant being convicted, it may be considered that the Registrant demonstrated a lack of judgement. Also, failing to inform the General Dental Council when seeking registration, and once registered, regarding the criminal conviction meant that it was unaware of information which could affect its statutory function to uphold standards of conduct, performance and ethics that govern dental professionals. The Case Examiners have taken into account the General Dental Council Indicative Outcomes Guidance (February 2018) and consider that a warning in this case is necessary to declare and uphold proper standards of behaviour and conduct, as well as to mark the serious impact which illegal behaviour might have on public confidence in the profession. Furthermore, the Case Examiners consider that publication of the warning for a period of 12 months is necessary, 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 of behaviour. The Registrant is reminded that this warning will form part of her fitness to practise history, and she may be required to disclose it even after the period for publication has expired. The Case Examiners formally warn the Registrant that: • The commission of 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 should, as required by the General Dental Council (GDC) guidance “Standards for the Dental Team” (September 2013), maintain appropriate standards of behaviour in her professional and personal lives. This includes her general lifestyle, and in the careful and fulsome completion of formal paperwork.