Search the Registers

The case examiners considered allegations relating to the registrant’s personal conduct over the period November 2021 to November 2022. They found a real prospect of a practice committee finding all the factual allegations proved and a real prospect of those allegations being found to amount to misconduct, but no real prospect of a practice committee finding the registrant’s fitness to practise to be currently impaired. The matters alleged, in the view of the case examiners, represented a significant departure from the following professional standards (as set out in Standards for the Dental Team, September 2013): • 1.3.2 – You must make sure you do not bring the profession into disrepute • 4.2 – You must protect the confidentiality of patients’ information and only use it for the purpose for which it was given • 6.1.4 – You must value and respect the contribution of all team members • 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 • 9.1.1 – You must treat all team members, other colleagues and members of the public fairly, with dignity and in line with the law, and • 9.1.4 - You must maintain appropriate boundaries in the relationships you have with patients. You must not take advantage of your position as a dental professional in your relationships with patients. The case examiners concluded that, while not requiring a referral to a practice committee, the alleged conduct fell below expected standards to such an extent that a formal response from the GDC is necessary. By issuing the registrant with a warning both the registrant and the wider profession will be reminded that such conduct is unacceptable and must not be repeated. Publishing the warning will also satisfy the wider public interest in this matter. The case examiners have therefore determined that it is appropriate and proportionate to issue the registrant with a warning, to be published for a period of 6 months. The case examiners formally warn the registrant that: • it is essential that appropriate professional boundaries are respected and maintained between a clinician and their patients. The registrant must not overstep these boundaries when engaging with patients. • all members of the dental team should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. The registrant must ensure that she does not interact with colleagues in a way that may be perceived to be intimidating, embarrassing or verbally aggressive; and • she must respect the confidentiality of patient information and not use this for purposes other than that for which it was originally given. The registrant is reminded that this warning forms part of her fitness to practise history, even after it ceases to be published, and must be disclosed when requested.