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The registrant was convicted by magistrates, in April 2024, of ‘driving a motor vehicle with alcohol in excess of the prescribed limit’. He informed the GDC soon after his initial arrest. The registrant has been dealt with by the criminal justice system, and the purpose of the fitness to practise process is not to punish the registrant for a second time. However, to close the case without action would fail properly to take account of the wider public interest. This includes the need to declare and uphold proper standards of conduct, and to maintain public confidence in the dental profession. The case examiners consider that committing such a criminal offence is unacceptable, demonstrating a lack of judgment as well as risking harm to members of the public. The case examiners therefore have decided that a warning in this case is necessary. The case examiners consider that publication of the warning, for a period of six months, is appropriate and proportionate in the circumstances. It 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 a warning may need to be disclosed in future where required, and that it will form part of the registrant’s GDC ‘fitness to practise’ history even after it is no longer published. The GDC’s Standards for the Dental Team (2013) says at Standard 9: 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 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 the registrant’s fitness to practise. • the registrant should, as required by GDC guidance, maintain appropriate standards of behaviour in all aspects of professional and personal life.