GDC Expectations and Professional Accountability

The GDC defines the standards and requirements dental professionals must follow. For dental nurses, this includes putting patients' interests first, communicating clearly, protecting patient information, working appropriately with colleagues, maintaining competence through CPD, raising concerns, and behaving in ways that maintain public trust.

Professional accountability means you remain responsible for your actions even when working under direction. Local instructions do not remove your duty to act within your scope, follow standards, and seek advice when something appears unsafe, dishonest or beyond your competence.

GDC expectations affect

• How you communicate with patients and colleagues.
• Whether you work within scope and competence.
• How you protect confidentiality and records.
• How you respond to mistakes, complaints and concerns.
• How you keep CPD, training and reflective learning up to date.

Direction from a colleague does not replace professional judgement. If an instruction conflicts with standards, training or patient safety, stop and clarify before proceeding.

Regulations, standards and guidance

Registered dental nurses are accountable professionals. Local habit does not override GDC standards, scope or patient safety.