MDDUS has responded to a General Dental Council (GDC) consultation on its updated guidance for the Interim Orders Committee and associated documentation.
The Interim Orders Committee carries out urgent risk assessments to determine whether a dental professional’s practice should be restricted in the interest of the public or the registrant.
The consultation is part of the GDC's work to improve its fitness to practise processes in the absence of full-scale regulatory reform.
Stephen Henderson, head of dental division at MDDUS, said: "An Interim Orders Committee hearing is a highly stressful experience for any dental professional. It is often called at short notice, and there is a risk of practice being restricted during an investigation.
"We are pleased to see that recent work on what constitutes 'seriousness' is included in the guidance, but we have raised concerns that the proposed changes may mean the Committee is moving away from its risk assessment responsibility towards a fact-finding role.
“We welcome the positive steps the GDC is taking to improve its processes, but we now urge the Government to keep its promise to reform the fitness to practise legislation so that it better serves patients and dental professionals.”
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ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 56,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information, please contact Caroline English, communications manager, on cenglish@mddus.com or 07741 237856.
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.