An Interim Orders Committee (IOC) hearing can have an immediate and potentially significant impact on a dental professional’s ability to practise.

The General Dental Council may seek an interim order where it considers that restrictions on a registrant’s practice are necessary while a fitness to practise investigation or proceedings are ongoing.

An interim order is not a finding that a dental professional’s fitness to practise is impaired. It is a temporary regulatory measure. However, the practical consequences can be considerable.

What can an Interim Orders Committee decide?

An IOC may impose conditions on a dental professional’s registration or suspend registration on an interim basis.

Conditions can restrict where, how or under what circumstances a professional may practise. Suspension can prevent a registrant from practising altogether.

For a dentist or DCP, the consequences may extend beyond registration. An interim order can affect employment, income, professional reputation and relationships with colleagues and patients.

For these reasons, an IOC hearing should be treated as an important legal proceeding requiring careful preparation.

Defending you at an IOC hearing

We provide specialist advice and representation to dentists and DCPs facing GDC Interim Orders Committee proceedings.

Our role is to examine the basis on which the GDC says an interim order is necessary and to challenge the application where there are proper grounds to do so.

We consider issues including:

• the allegations being investigated;
• the evidence relied upon by the GDC;
  the alleged risk to patients or the public;
• whether the risk is properly established;
• whether restrictions are necessary;
• whether conditions could adequately address any identified concerns;
• whether proposed conditions are proportionate and workable;
• the impact of restrictions on your ability to practise; and
• whether suspension is justified.

Challenging unnecessary restrictions

An interim order should not automatically follow simply because allegations are serious.

The Committee must consider the statutory and regulatory framework and determine whether an interim order is justified on the evidence before it.

Where appropriate, we make representations challenging the necessity or proportionality of the proposed order.

If restrictions are considered necessary, our focus may instead be on achieving the least restrictive outcome possible. This may involve proposing carefully drafted conditions of practice that address the GDC’s concerns without unnecessarily preventing you from continuing to work.

Preparing for the hearing

Preparation is critical.

We review the GDC’s evidence, identify the issues the Committee will need to determine and prepare submissions addressing the relevant legal and regulatory principles.

We also work with clients to ensure that they understand the allegations, the hearing process and the potential outcomes.

Where evidence is available that may reduce the perceived risk, we identify and present it clearly.

Interim orders and your professional future

An interim order can remain in place while a substantive fitness to practise case progresses. It is therefore important to consider not only the immediate hearing but also the longer-term consequences of the order.

We provide strategic advice throughout the process, including advice about subsequent reviews and changes in circumstances.

If the GDC is seeking an interim order against you, urgent specialist advice is recommended. We can advise on your position and represent you at the Interim Orders Committee hearing.