Search the Registers

The Case Examiners considered an allegation that the Registrant’s fitness to practise was impaired by reason of conviction. The supporting factual allegation related to the Registrant having been convicted in Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 28 September 2023 for disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress on 25 August 2023, contrary to provisions in the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. It was determined by the Case Examiners that there was a real prospect of the factual allegation being found proved and that the statutory ground of conviction had a real prospect of being established by a Practice Committee. They also determined that due to the reported circumstances that led to the conviction, and it being considered that the Registrant was highly unlikely to repeat such matters, there was no real prospect of the Registrant’s current fitness to practise being found to be impaired by a Practice Committee. The Case Examiners have also 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, or 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. In addition, the Case Examiners have given regard to the Registrant not allegedly complying with provisions in the General Dental Council’s ‘Standards for the Dental Team’ (September 2013) publication. The Case Examiners have also taken into account the General Dental Council’s ‘Case Examiner Indicative Outcomes Guidance’ (February 2018) publication 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 criminal behaviour can have on the reputation of the profession. Furthermore, 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 of behaviour. 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 formally warn the Registrant that: • the commission of a criminal offence is unacceptable conduct for a registrant and 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’s ‘Standards for the Dental Team’ (September 2013) publication, maintain appropriate standards of behaviour in her personal life; as detailed in 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).