Advertising feature Fit to practise?


Event looks at the GDC inquiry process that examines a registrant’s fitness to practise


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n the first event of its kind, Dental Protection in con- junction with the British Dental Association (BDA) held a joint meeting in


Edinburgh on 19 November, which took a unique ‘behind the scenes’ look at the processes involved in a General Dental Council (GDC) inquiry into a registrant’s fitness to practise. This proved to be an interac-


tive, informative and engaging event aimed at raising aware- ness of the fitness to practise process, from the initial patient complaint, through to a poten- tial fitness to practise hearing, which was brought to life in a powerful re-enactment. The delegates were able to


put themselves in the shoes of the Investigating Committee – review case notes, hear from the complainant, caseworkers, prosecution, expert witnesses and members of the Investigating and Fitness to Practise Committees. This allowed them to make their own judgements on the allegations of impaired fitness to practise and consider the sanctions available. The likely impacts of being


involved in such an inquiry were explored with a high level of realism that drew upon the experience of council members of the GDC together with employees and advisers from Dental Protection and the BDA. The attendees were wel-


comed by BDA Scotland Director Andrew Lamb, which was followed by an informative presentation by Alison Lockyer, chair of the council, GDC, who brought the delegates up to speed on the new GDC, its roles and responsibilities, and provid- ed an explanation of its view of


42 Scottish Dental magazine


the concept ‘Fit to Practise’. Kevin Lewis, dental director of Dental Protection, reviewed the nature, number and pattern of complaints received by the GDC in the wake of the changes in the Fitness to Practice Rules, which occurred in July 2006.


The delegates were able to put them- selves in the shoes of the Investigating Committee; review case notes, hear from the complainant, caseworkers, prosecu- tion, expert witnesses and members of the Investigating and Fitness to Practise Committees


Stephen Henderson, a dento- legal adviser with Dental Protection, proceeded to intro- duce a number of fictionalised complaints and invited the audi- ence to review these and vote on which case should be referred


to the Investigating Committee for consideration. The work of this committee


was outlined by Andrew Keetley, a former member of the committee, who explained the important features of a com- plaint that would influence the committee’s decision to refer a case for further investigation, and the weight given to the var- ious documents appertaining to the case. Delegates were provid- ed with a bundle of documents similar to one that would be provided to the legal teams representing the parties involved in a real enquiry. An assessment of the bundle con- tents was covered by Chris Morris, head of Dental Team, Hempsons Solicitors, who advised the delegates about the gathering of information on the case by the solicitor, and what factors influence the content of the letter of observations returned to the GDC. After lunch, the attendees


voted by SMS text on which cases merited further investiga- tion. This was followed by a presentation from barrister Philip Blakebrough, head of Fitness to Practise at the GDC, who described the process of case investigation from the


LEARN ABOUT RISK MANAGEMENT...


The Premier Symposium organised in conjunction with Schülke is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. The risk man- agement event was held on Saturday 4 December 2010 at Kings College London.


Speakers included Professor Tara Renton, who discussed the cause of nerve injuries and their management, and Professor Richard Palmer who spoke about implant risks.


‘Mastering Your Risk’ work- shops offer an evidence-based overview of the important role communication, behaviour and performance play in providing quality care and reducing the risk relating to patient dissatis- faction. The format is designed for no more than 25 delegates and offers an opportunity for each participant to develop skills to meet the increasing number of challenging situa-


tions that often act as a trigger point or catalyst to a complaint or claim.


Each workshop is led by a trained facilitator with experience in delivering com- munication-based training. These workshops take place at various locations throughout the UK, are approved for three hours’ verified CPD and are free to DPL members, so book now as numbers are limited.


GDC viewpoint, highlighting the challenges and pitfalls encountered in preparing a case for a Fitness to Practise hearing. Jason Leitch, chair of the Health and Conduct Committees, dis- cussed the many health issues that could potentially impair a registrant’s fitness to practice, and outlined how the GDC deals with ill health in the Health Committee. Undoubtedly, the highlight of


the day was the live dramatisa- tion of part of a Fitness to Practise hearing involving actors and barristers. This demonstrated how stressful and challenging a hearing can be, and proved to be both informa- tive and entertaining. This was followed by an enlightening presentation by John Gibson, who is a member of the Fitness to Practise panel, discussing how decisions are reached, and factors which influence the panel when considering whether to take action on reg- istration. A final vote was cast on the hearing, and a discussion on the lessons learned. The day was deemed a great


success by the large number of delegates present, who ranged from students and graduates to experienced practitioners.


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