On the 21st of June 2022, the GDC announced the launch of a Dental Professionals Hearing Service. In a press release announcing the launch, the GDC stated:

“To demonstrate the independence of our hearings service, we are pleased to advise that we are giving it a new name and creating a new website: the Dental Professionals Hearings Service.”

The GDC also said, “While our hearings already take place before a committee of independent panellists, this change has been made to further highlight the independence of the hearings function from the GDC’s investigation and prosecution functions and to improve the experience for all who attend a hearing.”

What does this mean for the GDC’s hearing function?

All is good so far, but what has really changed regarding the independence and functioning of the GDC’s hearing function? This is difficult to see, not least as the GDC also said, “The legislation we operate under prevents the creation of an entirely independent hearings function and as such the new service remains legally part of, and accountable to, the GDC.”

As confirmed by the GDC’s Chair announcing the launch, “The independence of the hearing from any investigative process is a fundamental tenet of justice, but we know this separation at the GDC isn’t always understood by those going through the system. By making this change, we are aiming to highlight this independence and thereby promote confidence in the fairness of the system.”

It would seem that the GDC’s statements as set out above are somewhat inconsistent in that it asserts that its hearings function is already independent but then also acknowledges that it isn’t. Whilst the launch of a Dental Professional Hearings Service can be seen as a small step in the right direction, full and demonstrable independence of the function will only come when the Service is separated from the GDC both legally and functionally.

GDC Lawyers

At Gordons Partnership, we act only in the defence of dental professionals facing ever-changing and complex regulatory investigations. Our team includes a former dentist and other specialist solicitors.

Please contact us today as we regularly advise dental professionals on a variety of GDC matters. Click here for the list of services we offer.

Call us on 01483 451 900 or email sols@gordonsols.co.uk.