GDC Reporting, Advice and Professional Judgement

Reporting to the GDC is a significant step and is not appropriate for routine workplace disagreements or personality clashes. It is used when a registrant's health, conduct or performance may put patients at risk, impair fitness to practise, or undermine public confidence in the profession.

The 2025 GDC guidance expects dental professionals to inform the GDC if their own conduct, performance or health affects their fitness to practise. It also advises that concerns about colleagues' health, conduct or performance should be addressed, and if risk persists they should be reported to the GDC without delay.

Before reporting to the GDC, consider

• Is this about patient safety, public confidence or fitness to practise?
• Has local action been tried, and is it safe and practical to try?
• Is the concern severe enough to require external action now?
• Could patients or the public be harmed if nothing changes?
• Have you kept factual notes and sought advice where appropriate?
• Is there another regulator or safeguarding route that also applies?

If you are unsure, seek advice. The GDC advises contacting them when in doubt about reporting. Indemnity providers, defence organisations, professional associations, occupational health, tutors and whistleblowing advisory services can also help you clarify the matter.

Reporting yourself

Professional judgement matters. Use GDC reporting for genuine concerns about fitness to practise, patient safety or public confidence, not for ordinary workplace disputes.