GDC consultation on Interim Orders Committee Guidance and associated information

As part of their work to improve fitness to practise processes wherever possible in the absence of regulatory reform, GDC have today launched a 12-week public consultation on proposed updates to our Interim Orders Committee Guidance and associated information.

The Interim Orders Committee is responsible for considering immediate and serious risks to patient safety and public confidence while investigations are ongoing. It does this through an assessment of risk and deciding whether there is a need to suspend or impose conditions on a dental professional's ability to practise dentistry in the UK, ahead of a substantive hearing.

GDC have launched this consultation, in the absence of the wholesale reform of their legislation, as they want to progress with improvements to their processes wherever possible.

These proposed updates aim to ensure consistency in their approach and assessment of risk, provide comprehensive guidance to panel members, and ensure that decisions are proportionate and appropriate to the risks posed.

In revising the guidance, GDC have drawn on a broad range of evidence including research, internal audit processes and case law. However, capturing the opinions of their stakeholders in relation to these proposals is a vital step in ensuring they get this right. Therefore, GDC would encourage all with an interest to share their views by responding to this consultation.

The consultation runs for 12 weeks and closes on 2 February 2023.

GDC consultation on Interim Orders Committee Guidance and associated information.