GDC Lawyers for Dentists
Richard Nelson LLP’s dental solicitors have significant experience in representing dentists, dental technicians and other dental care professionals in GDC fitness to practise investigations and hearings. Our dental lawyers have provided legal representation for a variety of dental professionals, from student dentists to dentists who own large practices, both in the NHS and the private sector.
The General Dental Council investigates a variety of fitness to practise complaints against dentists, following concerns raised by patients, employers, the police and other professionals. Complaints can also come from the Dental Complaints Service, which is funded by the GDC and receives initial complaints about private dental care.
Complaints of dentist misconduct can be varied, but may include issues such as:
- Theft/dishonesty;
- Practising without professional indemnity insurance;
- Fraudulent claims for non-existing NHS work;
- Improper relationships with patients;
- Inadequate dental treatment;
- Alcohol/drug dependency;
- Criminal convictions/cautions;
- Failure to obtain informed patient consent;
- Having an ineffective complaints procedure;
- Scope of practice issues for dental technicians.
The GDC Fitness to Practise hearings are heard by the Dental Professionals Hearings Service. These cases are usually heard either remotely or in person at 37 Wimpole Street, London.
Our Dental Lawyers
Our dental lawyers represent dentists through all stages of a GDC fitness to practise investigation, from initial assessment, to preparing written representations to the Case Examiners, to representing dentists before the Interim Orders Committee at the Dental Professionals Hearing Service, to a full fitness to practise hearing by the Dental Professionals Hearing Service.
We work with dentists to establish a clear strategy for their case from the outset. We prepare robust defences to disputed allegations and, where necessary, we present convincing mitigation. We always strive to achieve the best possible outcome for dentists.
Our GDC lawyers also work alongside our criminal defence team if a dentist is accused of criminal offences, to ensure that a multidisciplinary approach is taken to provide the best defence team.
Independence from defence organisations
As GDC solicitors, we regularly defend dentists on a nationwide basis, who are not members of a defence organisation, or who have been refused representation by their union. Unions may refuse cover if an allegation relates to a dentist’s private life, or if issues of dishonesty are alleged. Our dentist lawyers also have experience of representing dentists who, for various reasons, have been practising without indemnity cover.
We are completely independent of any defence organisation and therefore we provide dentists with a personal and discrete service, maintaining complete confidentiality.
Our defence lawyers have expertise in representing dentists, dental professionals and dental students with GDC fitness to practise investigations and with a variety of other regulatory problems such as:
As GDC solicitors, we regularly defend dentists on a nationwide basis who are not members of a defence organisation, or who have been refused representation by their union. Unions may refuse cover if an allegation relates to a dentist’s private life or if issues of dishonesty are alleged. Our dentist lawyers also have experience in representing dentists who, for various reasons, have been practising without indemnity cover.
We are completely independent of any defence organisation and therefore we provide dentists with a personal and discreet service, maintaining complete confidentiality.
Our defence lawyers have expertise in representing dentists, dental professionals and dental students with GDC fitness to practise investigations and with a variety of other regulatory problems such as:
– GDC Fitness to Practise Investigations
– GDC Investigations
– GDC Interim Orders Committee;
– GDC Appeals
– GDC Registration advice;
– GDC Registration Appeals Committee;
– GDC Restoration Applications;
– Police investigations and criminal proceedings for dentists;
– Assistance in disclosing issues to the GDC;
– Commercial Disputes;
– Dental Professionals Hearings Service
– University fitness to practise investigations for student dentists;
Specialist solicitors
Our multidisciplinary team is made up of specialists in a wide range of services, which means you'll always be represented by an expert in your area.
No-strings initial call
Get in touch to arrange a no-obligation, fully confidential call to discuss your case and work out if you want to continue.
Nationwide support
Speak to solicitors in one of our offices throughout England and Wales, or arrange calls and remote meetings.
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