A five-year review of cases appearing before the General Dental Council's Professional Conduct Committee.

The General Dental Council (GDC) has as its primary responsibility the protection of the general public by regulating all dental professionals in the United Kingdom. Complaints brought to the attention of the GDC regarding the conduct of members of the dental profession are dealt with in a regulated manner. This study briefly reviews the relevant procedures and analyses 209 cases brought before the Professional Conduct Committee of the GDC over a five-year period. The results show an annual increase from 23 cases in 2003 to 65 cases in 2007 (0.18% of registered dentists) and provide information on the geographic distribution of registrants as well as their country of origin and year of qualification. The charges, outcomes and determinations give an indication of the clinical and non-clinical misdemeanours committed by members of the profession. The outcomes and final determinations handed down (56 erasures and 37 suspensions) reflect the serious view the GDC holds regarding the professional conduct of all dental professionals.