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The circumstances of this case relate to concerns raised by a former employer about a dentist’s provision of orthodontic treatments. Allegations have been put to the Registrant regarding multiple patients, in relation to failing to maintain an adequate standard of care, record keeping, treatment planning and valid informed consent. The Case Examiners considered evidence including patient records and an expert report commissioned by the GDC. The Case Examiners have determined that there is a real prospect of most of the facts alleged being found proved by a Practice Committee, a real prospect of the statutory grounds of misconduct and deficient professional performance being established but no real prospect of a Practice Committee finding the Registrant’s fitness to practise to be currently impaired. In the circumstances, therefore, the Case Examiners have determined to issue a warning to indicate to the Registrant that, whilst this matter has not been referred to a Practice Committee, his conduct as alleged was a departure from expected standards which warrants a formal response from the GDC. The Case Examiners have taken into account their Guidance Manual (November 2016) regarding the criteria to be considered when minded to issue a warning, and also 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 failing to maintain an adequate standard of professional performance, and allegations relating to failing to obtain informed consent. Based on the guidance, the Case Examiners consider that a warning in this case is necessary to declare and uphold proper standards of conduct. 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 his Fitness to Practise history, even after it is no longer published, and may need to be disclosed as required. The Case Examiners warn the Registrant that: • failure to undertake a systematic and appropriate assessment of a patient’s dental condition, which can include intra-oral and extra-oral examinations, basic periodontal examinations and radiographs, may result in deficient treatment planning and inadequate care. It is necessary to ensure that sufficient diagnostic assessments are carried out as part of both general dental treatment and to assist with treatment planning. • failure to ensure that sufficient treatment planning is carried out can have an adverse effect on the treatment provided to patients, and that sufficient planning must always be carried out prior to commencing treatment. • failure to obtain and record informed consent can have serious effects on the individual patient, and on the wider trust and public confidence in the profession. The Registrant must ensure that he obtains full, informed consent prior to carrying out any procedures, including discussion of treatment options and risks and benefits, and that relevant discussions are fully documented. • failure to maintain accurate and detailed records can impact upon ongoing patient care. Clinical records must be sufficiently detailed so as to allow future audit or review, to understand any and all clinical considerations, justifications and potential diagnostic conclusions reached; as well as the actions carried out by the Registrant and information discussed with the patient.