A GDC fitness to practise case does not necessarily end when a Practice Committee reaches its findings.

Where impairment is found, the Committee must determine the appropriate sanction. If restrictions are imposed, the case may subsequently return to the GDC for review.

In some circumstances, a decision may also be capable of challenge before the High Court.

GDC sanctions

GDC Practice Committees have a range of sanctions available to them. Depending on the circumstances, these can include taking no further action, issuing a warning, imposing conditions of practice, suspension or erasure from the register.

The appropriate sanction depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.

We advise clients on the potential consequences of different sanctions and prepare detailed submissions designed to achieve the most proportionate outcome available.

Where a registrant has accepted responsibility for appropriate matters, evidence of remediation, insight and steps taken to reduce future risk can be particularly important.

Protecting your right to practise

Sanction decisions can have a major effect on a dental professional’s career.

Conditions may affect the type of work you can undertake, where you can practise or the supervision required. Suspension can prevent you from practising altogether, while erasure removes you from the GDC register.

We therefore approach the sanctions stage as a distinct and important part of the case rather than treating it as an administrative conclusion.

Review hearings

Where a sanction such as conditions of practice or suspension remains in place, the case may return to a GDC Practice Committee for review.

The Committee will consider whether the restrictions remain necessary and what should happen next.

Preparation for a review hearing should begin well in advance. We advise on the evidence required to demonstrate progress, remediation and compliance with previous requirements.

We can assist with:

• reviewing previous Committee decisions;
• assessing compliance with conditions;
• identifying outstanding concerns;
• gathering supporting evidence;
• preparing reflective and remediation evidence;
• obtaining expert evidence where appropriate;
• preparing written submissions; and
• representing you at the review hearing.

Challenging disproportionate or flawed decisions

Regulatory decisions can have life-changing consequences. Where there are proper legal grounds to challenge a decision, we take a rigorous approach to identifying and presenting those grounds.

The objective is to ensure that the GDC’s decision-making process is lawful, fair and proportionate.

If you have received a GDC sanction, review decision or other adverse determination, specialist legal advice should be obtained promptly because strict procedural requirements and time limits can apply to appeals.