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A patient complained to the GDC about their experience receiving treatment from the registrant, who is a dentist. They were especially unhappy with two crowns, which they said were poorly executed, and which they say the registrant failed to correct. They said this led to significant dental problems. A GDC clinical adviser reviewed the patient’s records and identified possible shortcomings saying the standard of care had been ‘below the level of professional practice reasonably expected’. Separately, the GDC alleged that the registrant failed to have indemnity insurance at all times. This was for a period of 12 days in 2019. The case examiners found there was a real prospect (genuine possibility) that a practice committee would find that there had been misconduct by the registrant. The case examiners considered guidance in the Case Examiner Guidance Manual and Case Examiner Indicative Outcomes Guidance, and decided a warning was appropriate. This is so the registrant is fully aware of risks to public confidence in the profession, and to give him the opportunity to reflect further on how he conducts himself professionally. Publishing the warning will have the effect of highlighting to the wider profession that such conduct is unacceptable. This will in turn help protect the public and maintain public confidence in the profession. The registrant is reminded he may need to disclose the warning in future where required, and that it will form part of his GDC ’fitness to practise’ history even after it is no longer published.

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 case examiners have taken this into account when considering the issue of misconduct. The document includes: Standard 1.8: You must have appropriate arrangements in place for patients to seek compensation if they have suffered harm Standard 3.1: You must obtain valid consent before starting treatment, explaining all the relevant options and the possible costs. Standard 3.3: You must make sure that the patient’s consent remains valid at each stage of investigation or treatment Standard 4.1: You must make and keep contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records Standard 7.1: You must provide good quality care based on current evidence and authoritative guidance Standard 7.2: You must work within your knowledge, skills, professional competence and abilities Standard 7.3: You must update and develop your professional knowledge and skills throughout your working life The case examiners warn the registrant that he must ensure that he is fully aware of, and maintains, current expected standards relating to: • record keeping • pre-treatment investigations • standards of treatment • antibiotic prescribing • radiographic practice • explaining full options, risk and benefits; and • gaining, and recording informed consent. In particular, the case examiners warn the registrant that: • he must actively ensure that he has full valid indemnity at all times. • failure to obtain and record informed consent can have serious effects on the individual patient, and on the public’s trust and confidence in the profession. The registrant is reminded he may need to disclose this warning in future where required, and that it will form part of his GDC ‘’fitness to practise’ history even after it is no longer published. Any further such concerns arising are likely to be taken seriously and to lead to the GDC taking action.