What to Do if You’re Under GDC Investigation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 27, 2025

Learn the best tips to handle a GDC investigation professionally and wisely with our step-by-step guide for dental professionals in the UK.

 

Table of contents:

  1. Introduction
    • Rising GDC Complaints in 2024
    • Emotional and Professional Impact on Dentists
    • Importance of Preparation and Awareness
  2. Step #1 – Understand the Process of GDC Investigation
    • Common Triggers for Investigation
    • Allegations: What They Could Involve
  3. Step #2 – Understanding the Stages of a GDC Investigation
    • Initial Complaint
    • Case Assessment
    • Case Examiner Review
    • Possibility of Case Being Dropped or Settled
  4. Step #3 – Contact Your Dental Defence Society Immediately
    • Importance of Legal Support
    • Key Do’s and Don’ts When Responding
    • Gathering and Sharing Evidence
  5. Step #4 – Stay Calm, Stay Professional
    • Managing Emotions and Communications
    • Avoiding Premature or Public Responses
  6. Step #5 – Prepare for a Hearing (If Applicable)
    • What to Expect at a GDC Hearing
    • Hearing Process and Participants
    • Sanction Outcomes and Legal Preparation
  7. Step #6 – Reflect and Learn
    • Post-Investigation Reflection
    • Importance of CPD and Preventative Measures
  8. GDC Investigation – The Bottom Line
    • Key Takeaways
    • Reassurance and Support Options

 

 Keep Calm & Carry On: Your Step-by-Step Guide to GDC Investigation

With UK dentists working within an ever increasing environment of scrutiny, the threat of a GDC investigation is never too far away.

Take last year as an example…

In 2024, 1400 new complaints were received by the GDC an 8% increase on the previous year. While 88% of those cases were resolved before progressing to a full blown practice committee hearing, the very act of being under investigation has led many dentists to reconsider their careers, with some even suggesting the process triggered serious mental health issues.

In truth, the likelihood of a dental professional being investigated by the GDC is more probable now than it was a decade ago, so it’s important you know what to do in case it happens to you.

With this in mind, here is a step by step guide to help you through the process.

Step #1 Understand the Process of GDC Investigation. Why Am I Being Investigated?

 

First things first! It’s important to know the ‘why’s’ before fixing the ‘what’s’. Having a good grasp of why you’re being investigated allows you to better prepare for the outcome. Some of the common triggers for GDC investigation include:

  • Either from patients or colleagues involving factors like subpar clinical care, confidentiality breaches, misconduct and even sexual assault.
  • Compromising the privacy and protocols of the dental profession. Bringing the dental profession into disrepute.

Once you fully understand the allegations and why you’re under investigation, you can take steps to move forward with the case.

 

Step #2. Understanding the stages of a GDC Investigation

 

 Here’s the good news, if you happen to be formally contacted by the GDC, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically be hauled up in front of a review board. On the contrary, only 12% of cases progress to a full blown committee hearing. The majority, around 88% of investigations, are settled across the following stages:

  • Initial complaint
  • Case assessment
  • Case examiner’s work

At any of the above stages, the GDC can decide to drop the investigation, settle the investigation or pursue it further. Only, when the investigation has not been dropped, or settled, is it likely to go to a possible hearing. Essentially, what we’re saying is that if you are contacted by the GDC regarding an impending investigation, it isn’t the end of the world, although it may seem like it at the time.

That said, there is a protocol that you should follow which includes the following:

 

Step #3. Contact Your Dental Defence Society Immediately

 

Don’t respond to any allegations on your own without consulting a defence organisation or seeking legal help.

Yes, the GDC letter may have caught you off guard; and yes, you probably had no clue it was coming. But as a rule of thumb always contact your legal representative. Here are some key point:

  • Never ignore the complaint, the problem isn’t likely to go away. When the GDC become involved, they have to take some form of action so a ‘head in the sand’ approach will do more harm than good.
  • Do send your defence organisation or representative all correspondence relating to your allegation. This could be dental records (digital and physical), timelines of events, key documentation etc. If in doubt, send everything you have and let your legal support team be the judge of what’s relevant.
  • Do stick to timelines. The GDC will want all details by a certain deadline so it’s imperative to adhere to it.

 

Step #4. Keep Calm, Stay Professional

 

However angry, upset or disappointed you are with the situation, avoid firing off emotional replies or detailed explanations early on, silence is your best approach. Reaching out to the complainant at this stage is likely to do more harm than good. Instead, try to carry on as normal and let the defence team handle all communications for you.

As a top tip, If you feel you need to say something, you can always draft a response stating you’ll only correspond once the GDC process is complete.

You should also avoid discussing the matter on social media or with colleagues to prevent complicating matters.

 

Step# 5. Prepare for a Hearing, if it reaches this stage

 

If you are among the 12% of GDC investigations that do reach this stage, don’t panic. Look at it as the time to share your side of the story or say your part. At this stage, the GDC will normally ask for your observations. Make sure that you plan and draft a response to this with the help of your legal advisors and indemnifiers.

So what happens during a CDC investigation? Who’s present and what’s discussed?

  • Hearings are run by the GDC’s hearing services with 3 independent panellists known as practice committees.
  • There are two stages to a hearing. The factual enquiry, where all the allegations are set out and evidence for both parties is provided; and the findings and sanctions stage, where conclusions and sanctions (if any) are placed.
  • Witnesses may include patients, NHS staff, practice managers, experts, or GDC staff and the respondent’s witnesses.
  • All witness statements are drafted by the GDC and once signed they can’t be changed. Only additional statements can be added. The dental professional’s legal team will receive a copy of these witness statements, known as the disclosure.
  • When deciding what sanctions to impose, the Practice Hearing Committee will always consider the least restrictive sanctions first before moving on to more serious sanctions like suspension or erasure.

Your support team should prepare you with prior coaching and they will talk you through all the potential outcomes of the trial so, you know exactly what to expect. The possible outcomes could include.

  • Warnings
  • Conditions
  • Suspensions
  • Erasure
  • No action

Hearings are usually heard at the GDC main office in Wimpole Street, London, and can take up to 4-5 days to conclude.

 

Step #6. Reflect and Learn

 

Understandably, after the GDC investigation, you’ll want to put the whole ordeal behind you. However, despite the outcome, even if you’re cleared of the charges, it’s important to absorb the key takeaways. Look at why the complaint was made and implement steps or changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Changes may include:

  • Better or more thorough documentation procedures
  • Increased communication between colleagues
  • More frequent due diligence checks
  • Increased staff training
  • Case reviews, what could be done better/improved for the patient?

Reflective practice and CPD are crucial, and your legal team should also be able to guide you on how to implement those safeguards to prevent future issues.

 

GDC Investigation The Bottom Line

GDC complaints are unlikely to be the end of your career unless the accusation or complaint is extremely serious. In reality, being under investigation is something that can happen to any dental professional at any time so it pays to know what you can expect and the key steps you need to take.

Remember, being contacted by the authorities for a GDC investigation does NOT mean that you’re guilty. It simply means that your work is going to be reviewed, that’s all.

If you are currently under GDC investigation or have just received a complaint the good news is that you don’t have to face the situation alone. Contact the Dental Defence Society and let our highly experienced legal team take it from there. We’re here for you when you need us most!