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The registrant is a dentist. Her former employer contacted the GDC with concerns about her clinical practice and conduct. The case examiners decided there was a genuine possibility that, on further investigation, a practice committee could find proved allegations concerning: • Record keeping failures for several patients • Wrongly advising a patient that an alternative treatment was not available on the NHS • Contacting two patients to tell them about a new surgery, using contact details gained from work with the previous surgery. And that there was a possibility these could amount to misconduct and deficient professional performance. The case examiners have consulted the Case Examiner Guidance Manual, and the Case Examiner Indicative Outcomes Guidance, and have decided it is appropriate to issue a formal warning to the registrant. This will have the effect of highlighting to the registrant, and to the wider profession, that such alleged conduct is unacceptable. A warning will also serve to reassure the public that action is taken in such circumstances. The registrant is reminded 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. Standards 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. The document includes the following requirements: Standard 2.3 You must give patients the information they need, in a way they can understand, so that they can make informed decisions Standard 2.4 You must give patients clear information about costs Standard 4.1 You must make and keep contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records Standard 4.2 You must protect the confidentiality of patients’ information and only use it for the purpose for which it was given 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 The case examiners warn the registrant: 1. Failure to maintain accurate and detailed records can impact upon ongoing patient care. Clinical records must be sufficiently detailed so that future reviewers can understand all clinical considerations, justifications and potential diagnostic conclusions reached, as well as the actions carried out by the registrant and the information discussed with the patient. 2. It is important, for the purposes of fairness and informed consent, and to maintain public trust in the dental profession, that care is taken to give accurate information on costs, including information on treatment available under the NHS. 3. To be careful to take no action that would undermine patient confidence that their personal information will be used only for the purposes it was given.