Dentists who graduated overseas were more likely to receive harsher sanctions if they did not have legal support, GDC figures show.
Nearly two in five dentists (38%) who graduated overseas did not have legal support when facing a GDC fitness to practise hearing.
In addition, these dentists were more likely to receive harsher sanctions.
This is according to data obtained by Dental Protection through an FOI request to the GDC. The figures cover 2018 – 2021.
As a result, Dental Protection has called on the GDC to make legal support a requirement with fitness to practise proceedings.
Harsh treatment
The data shows that 81% of overseas graduates without legal representation were either suspended or erased from the dentists register.
As well as this, only 10% received a ‘no impairment’ judgment.
In comparison, only 19% of overseas graduates with legal representation were either suspended or erased. In addition, 29% received a no impairment judgment.
Dental Protection has been working with education and training providers to stress the importance of professional protection that goes beyond claims to all dentists.
Particularly to those who are new to the country and trying to decipher the guidelines.
Currently it is only a requirement to have protection against claims.
Therefore, it has called on the GDC to make it a requirement for all dentists to have protection. This includes support with fitness to practise proceedings.
Dentistry’s top stories
- ‘He pushes me and starts punching me in the face’ – are dentists being targeted by organised gangs?
- An update from CDO Sara Hurley
- Mini-budget – what does it mean for dentistry and healthcare?
- Health Secretary’s latest statement fails to mention dentistry
- The journey begins for the Dental Practice Accelerator winner.
A powerful reminder
Dr Raj Rattan is the dental director at Dental Protection. He said: ‘These figures serve as a powerful reminder for all dentists of how important it is to obtain professional protection which includes the ability to request assistance with GDC investigations.
‘Dental Protection supports dentists from the moment a GDC complaint is received, to its conclusion at a hearing, providing the very best legal defence and a team of professionals committed to achieving the best possible outcome for members.
‘I cannot imagine facing this lengthy and complex process alone, without someone fighting my corner.
‘Sadly though, 38% of dentists who graduated overseas do, along with 31% of dentists who graduated in the UK.
‘I will continue to work with key stakeholders across the UK to help them understand the importance and value of comprehensive professional protection to dentists who graduated in the UK and those who join the workforce from other countries.’
Career-ending implications
He continued: ‘The GDC may also be able to do more to help.
‘It is clear in its indemnity guidance that dental professionals must have appropriate indemnity arrangements in place for clinical negligence claims so patients can seek compensation if they are harmed, and this must be declared before they are able to register or renew registration.
‘We welcome this, but would like the GDC to consider extending this requirement to include wider protection beyond just claims in the next review of its standards.
‘GDC investigations impact dentists’ mental health and reputation, and for some, have career-ending implications.
A requirement to have protection and support with regulatory proceedings would be helpful to all dental professionals but particularly for those who are new to the UK, who are trying to decipher the various requirements and may be focusing solely on obtaining protection against claims.’
GDC response
‘While the vast majority of dental professionals will never be involved in a fitness to practise investigation, we have spoken before about the importance of engaging in the process for those who have had a concern raised about them.
‘The findings of our research on The concept of seriousness in fitness to practise, published earlier this year, highlighted the potential for more adverse outcomes in cases where professionals either do not engage in the process, do not attend hearings or where they represent themselves.
‘The requirement for healthcare professionals’ indemnity is set by parliament, and the purpose of that requirement is to protect patients in the case of negligence.
‘Dental professionals can, of course, choose a higher level of cover and support.
‘This remains a personal choice, and not an issue which is either appropriate or possible to change via a regulatory requirement.
‘Our indemnity guidance provides further information about the types of cover available so that dental professionals can make informed choices.’
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
