GDC research highlights continuing concerns over fitness to practise process among dentists

New research commissioned by the General Dental Council (GDC) has found that fewer than four in ten dental professionals trust the fitness to practise process to reach the correct outcome, despite evidence of modest improvements in satisfaction and confidence levels over recent years.

The findings come from the GDC Fitness to Practise experiences survey report 2026, which examined the experiences of dental professionals who were the subject of fitness to practise concerns, alongside individuals who raised concerns with the regulator. The report draws on seven rounds of survey data collected between 2023 and 2025, covering cases that reached a decision between April 2022 and September 2025. In total, 570 registrants and 645 informants participated in the research.

For practising dentists and other dental professionals, the report provides fresh insight into ongoing perceptions of the fitness to practise system and the challenges facing regulatory reform.

According to the research, trust in the fitness to practise process remains relatively low. The survey found that less than half of registrants and informants trusted the process or believed it was fair, appropriate and proportionate. While the GDC reported signs of improvement in satisfaction with communication and perceptions of trustworthiness over time, positive views of the process remain in the minority.

The report suggests that registrants generally viewed their experience more positively than informants. Dental professionals who had been subject to concerns were more likely to consider their cases to have been handled appropriately and proportionately and were also more likely to report that communication from the regulator was clear.

However, dissatisfaction remains widespread. The research found that most respondents were dissatisfied both with the fitness to practise process itself and with the eventual outcome of their case. The findings indicate that concerns persist around fairness, communication, confidence and the overall experience of regulatory investigations.

The survey forms part of the GDC’s wider programme of work examining how registrants and members of the public experience the fitness to practise process. The regulator said the research is intended to help identify opportunities to improve procedures, support arrangements and future quality monitoring.

Fitness to Practise News Straight to your Inbox

Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.