General Dental Council Defence Barristers
GDC Fitness to Practise Hearings
GDC fitness to practise hearings
A GDC fitness to practise hearing is a serious professional regulatory proceeding. Depending on the allegations, a case may be heard by the Professional Conduct Committee, Professional Performance Committee or Health Committee.
The outcome can have profound consequences for a dental professional’s career and registration. Possible sanctions range from no action or a warning through to conditions of practice, suspension or erasure from the GDC register.
Professional representation at this stage can therefore be critical.
Professional Conduct Committee
The Professional Conduct Committee deals with allegations concerning professional conduct, including matters such as dishonesty, misconduct, inappropriate behaviour and other alleged breaches of professional standards.
Cases can involve complex factual and legal issues and may require detailed analysis of witness evidence, documentary evidence and expert opinion.
We prepare and present robust defences tailored to the individual allegations and evidence.
Professional Performance Committee
Professional Performance Committee proceedings concern allegations relating to a dental professional’s professional performance.
These cases may involve concerns about clinical knowledge, skills, competence or the standard of care provided.
We examine the evidence relied upon by the GDC and consider whether the allegations are properly supported. Where appropriate, we work with relevant experts to address technical or clinical issues.
Health Committee
Health Committee proceedings involve concerns about a dental professional’s health and whether that health affects their ability to practise safely.
Health cases require a sensitive but legally robust approach. We work carefully with clients and, where appropriate, medical experts to ensure that relevant evidence is properly presented to the Committee.
Full hearing preparation
A substantive fitness to practise hearing requires extensive preparation.
We can assist with:
- analysing the GDC’s case;
- identifying the issues that must be determined;
- reviewing witness statements and documentary evidence;
- preparing your evidence;
- identifying and instructing appropriate experts;
- preparing cross-examination;
- preparing legal submissions;
- advising on potential findings;
- preparing for the sanctions stage; and
- providing advocacy throughout the hearing.
Challenging the GDC’s case
The GDC must establish the allegations it brings in accordance with the applicable legal framework. A registrant is entitled to put forward a defence and challenge evidence relied upon by the regulator.
Our role is to ensure that the case against you is properly tested.
Where appropriate, this may involve challenging factual allegations, the reliability of witnesses, the interpretation of clinical evidence or the legal characterisation of alleged conduct.
We ensure that the Committee receives a clear and comprehensive presentation of your case.
GDC Fitness to Practise Defence
GDC investigations & case examiners
Interim Orders Committee hearings
GDC fitness to practise hearings
Sanctions, review hearings & appeals
Registration & restoration
Why Choose Us?
Expertise You Can Trust
Early Legal Advice Matters
Early legal advice should be sought well before any hearing, allowing key evidence to be secured, witnesses approached, expert input obtained and clear representations prepared before the GDC makes major decisions, while also helping you maintain appropriate professional conduct throughout the investigation.
Experienced GDC Defence
Every fitness to practise case is different, so we provide tailored advice based on the specific allegations, evidence and regulatory risks, challenging concerns where appropriate, exploring early resolution options and preparing a strong defence if a hearing is required, with early specialist input often making a meaningful difference.
What You Can Expect
We provide clear fixed‑fee quotations, early telephone consultations, transparent timescales and written advice at every stage, with a system designed to give clients certainty, meet regulatory deadlines and support effective case preparation.
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