Rachael Bell, head of dental at MDDUS, has responded to the recent judgement relating to the case between the General Dental Council and Dr Nabeel Aga. The most recent ruling of which was made on 4 February, relating to the interpretation of sections 30 and 27B in the Dentist Act 1984.
Statement and February 4 Judgement on GDC v Aga Judgment
The Judgement in Aga highlights the importance of ensuring registrants facing an interim order for suspension do not experience delays in their case progressing to a substantive hearing –a problem that remains commonplace.
“Immediate orders are no longer a rarity. The lack of clarity in the law, risks the timeline of suspension becoming unacceptably punitive, particularly to any registrant seeking to appeal the decision.
“MDDUS calls for review of the Dentist Act 1984, which is long overdue, in particular with a view to making the interaction between immediate orders and substantive sanctions clearer.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 65,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information please contact Mareth Burns, junior communications officer, on mburns1@mddus.com
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