What Triggers a GDC Fitness to Practise Investigation?
Not every complaint raised by a patient, whether formally or informally, results in a GDC Fitness to Practise investigation. In order for an investigation to be triggered, there must be notable cause for concern regarding a dental professional’s conduct, competence or health.
At a Glance:
8 common triggers of a GDC Fitness to Practise investigation may include:
- Personal Misconduct and Dishonesty: Any falsifying of information or misrepresentation.
- Substandard Clinical Care: Proven clinical incompetence and malpractice.
- Health and Wellbeing Concerns: Mental or physical illness that affects an individual’s ability to practise safely.
- Lapses in Indemnity Cover: Practising without sufficient or with a complete lack of professional indemnity.
- Criminal Convictions: New convictions of criminal activity, or previously hidden convictions.
- Breaches in Patient Management: Breach in patient confidentiality or any other GDC-stipulated boundaries.
- Infection Control: Any breaches in good practice and recognised protocols in respect of clinical safety and infection control.
- Failure to Self-Report: Failing to self-report a change in circumstances impacting on clinical practice as necessary and within required timelines.
A Closer Look at GDC Fitness to Practise Investigation Triggers
- Misconduct and Dishonesty
Any form of misconduct or dishonesty related to patients, treatment or qualifications is grounds for an investigation.
Misconduct could include financial fraud, where dentists overcharge or misrepresent treatments and outcomes. Breaches of patient confidentiality are also considered a misconduct trigger, as well as any boundary violations related to abuse of power in the practice or inappropriate communication and conduct.
Regarding dishonesty, any suspicion that information has been falsified would result in an investigation. Whether this is falsified information on a report, dental notes, or any important documentation, dishonesty remains a key cause for concern for the GDC.
- Substandard Clinical Care
A further reason for an investigation would be substandard clinical care and may include diagnosis, treatment or clinical record-keeping.
Other signs of concerns that may trigger an investigation may be consent issues, such as not demonstrating informed consent was obtained, as well as a failure to follow infection control procedures.
- Health and Wellbeing Issues
If a dental professional is battling any health or wellbeing issues these should be brought to the attention of the GDC, as they will need to be investigated. This is to ensure they are not impacting the professional’s ability to practise safely and without concern.
Any health challenges with the potential to impair a professional’s ability to practise safely must be investigated and evaluated to ensure patient safety is not at risk or compromised.
- Lapses in Indemnity Cover
If indemnity cover lapses, but a dentist continues to practise while unprotected, this would trigger an investigation. Indemnity or insurance cover is a statutory requirement for the GDC, so a lack thereof would be a serious concern.
- Criminal Convictions
Should any dental professional be convicted or found complicit in any criminal activity a GDC Fitness to Practise investigation will commence.
Should a previous criminal conviction be covered up, either intentionally or unintentionally, this would also warrant an investigation into the nature and severity of the conviction and its impact on an individual’s ability to practise.
- Breaches in Patient Management
Breaches in respect of patient confidentiality are cause for concern and may lead to an investigation as this is a clear breach in GDC expectations.
Given the rise in popularity of social media and the heightened necessity for a practice to have an online presence, there is increasing risk for boundary violations. Any content posted by a practice or employee must meet the patient confidentiality standards set out by the GDC.
- Infection Control
Any breach in infection control protocols would result in an investigation as it brings a professional’s fitness to practise into question. Any breach in protocols could have harsh consequences not only for patients, but also for the dental professional.
- Failure to Self-Report
There are prescribed and specific timelines for dental professionals to report a caution or conviction. Failure to report at all, or to do so in a timely manner, would leave the dental professional vulnerable to a GDC investigation.
FAQs About GDC Fitness to Practise Investigations
Q: Can issues with indemnity cover trigger an investigation?
A: Yes, practising with insufficient indemnity cover, or a lack of cover can trigger an investigation as practising without appropriate professional indemnity or insurance falls short of statutory GDC requirements.
Q: Who reports the concerns to the GDC that trigger an investigation?
A: Various sources can initiate an investigation and from differing sources such as patients, colleagues, employers and other professional bodies. A dentist can even self-refer for an investigation if deemed to be appropriate.
Q: How does Densura provide support during GDC Fitness to Practise Investigations?
A: Densura offers comprehensive, trusted contractual dental indemnity insurance that not only protects you and your practice, but also provides education and support. Expertise is provided by experienced dento-legal advisers and our legal team.
Q: What doesn’t trigger an investigation?
A: There are a few minor disputes that typically do not trigger an investigation and these range from refund disputes to miscommunication. Anything that does not directly impact the patient’s health or safety.
Ready to Get Started?
Minimise the risks of investigation triggers with the help of Densura’s expert cover and experienced team of professionals, ready to help with a wealth of advice and industry knowledge. Reach out to our team and request a quote today!
If you have any questions before you begin, our team is happy to talk you through the process. We understand the dental profession, and we’re here to make sure you’re properly protected.
Densura provides professional indemnity tailored to UK dental professionals. All quotes are subject to individual assessment and underwriting.
Written and reviewed on 9 September 2026
