Dental Law & Ethics (GDC) Flashcards

What is the GDC's approach to fitness to practise allegations involving criminal convictions?

Answer: A criminal conviction is treated as proven fact; FtP proceedings assess whether it affects fitness to practise

When a registrant receives a criminal conviction, the GDC treats the conviction as proven and focuses its FtP investigation on whether the conviction indicates that the registrant's fitness to practise is impaired.

In the context of dental ethics, what does the principle of 'non-maleficence' mean?

Answer: Do no harm; avoid treatments that cause unnecessary risk or suffering

Non-maleficence ('do no harm') obligates dental professionals to avoid causing unnecessary harm through their interventions, weighing risks against benefits for each treatment.

What action should a dentist take if they suspect a colleague is impaired (e.g., by substance misuse)?

Answer: Report concerns to practice principal and NHS England/GDC if patient safety is at risk

GDC Standard 8 requires registrants to raise concerns about colleagues whose behaviour may put patients at risk; this is a professional duty, and patient safety overrides professional loyalty.

What is 'Gillick competence' and how does it apply in dental practice?

Answer: A minor under 16 who fully understands the nature and implications of treatment can consent independently

Gillick competence allows children under 16 to consent to their own treatment if the clinician is satisfied they fully understand the treatment, its risks, and consequences without needing parental consent.

What is the role of the 'responsible clinician' in relation to NHS dental treatment?

Answer: The dentist who carries out and takes clinical responsibility for the patient's course of treatment

The responsible clinician is the dental professional who has overall clinical responsibility for a patient's course of treatment, accountable for diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery.

What does the term 'duty of candour' require from dental professionals?

Answer: Openness and honesty with patients when something goes wrong that causes harm

The professional duty of candour (GDC Standards, Standard 1.3) requires dental professionals to be open and honest with patients when they have experienced an unexpected outcome or been harmed during treatment.