Coroner Urges GDC Action to Prevent Future Deaths in Dentistry

UK: A coroner has issued a call to the General Dental Council (GDC) to take proactive measures to prevent future deaths within the dental profession following the tragic suicide of a dentist. The coroner, Katrina Hepburn, expressed concerns about the GDC’s public disclosure of information regarding ongoing proceedings.

Coroner’s Report and Concerns

In a report released last year, the coroner highlighted specific concerns regarding the public dissemination of information by the GDC before proceedings have concluded. The report, titled ‘Prevention of Future Deaths,’ was prompted by the suicide of a dentist and outlined the coroner’s apprehensions about the level of detail disclosed on the GDC website during ongoing cases.

The coroner’s concerns, as detailed in the report, emphasized the potential detrimental effect on mental health caused by the public exposure of detailed allegations against dental practitioners before final determinations are made. She stated, “…by putting detailed allegations into the public domain via the GDC website, at a stage before any final determination has taken place, I am concerned that others going through a similar process may also suffer a detrimental effect to their mental health.”

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In response to the coroner’s concerns, the GDC issued a statement outlining its position on public disclosure during proceedings. While emphasizing the importance of transparency and public confidence in regulatory actions, the GDC acknowledged the need for balance, particularly concerning interim order applications.

The GDC confirmed that it is currently undertaking a review of its procedures regarding interim order applications and the subsequent publication of outcomes. This review aims to ensure a proper balance between open justice and safeguarding the interests of dental professionals facing allegations.

Future Steps and Policy Adjustments

As part of its review process, the GDC is reassessing its policies regarding the publication of interim order outcomes and the guidelines for holding hearings in public or private. The regulator aims to strike a balance between the public interest in transparency and the protection of registrants, especially when dealing with untested allegations.

The timeline for completing these policy adjustments depends on the outcomes of the ongoing review. The GDC affirms its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent regulatory processes while addressing concerns raised by the coroner regarding the potential impact on mental health and the risk of future deaths within the profession.

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