New research highlights participants’ experiences of fitness to practise process

The General Dental Council (GDC) has published two major research reports that shed new light on participants’ experiences of the fitness to practise process, offering valuable insight into how investigations could be made fairer, clearer and more supportive.

Commissioned from the University of Manchester, the projects examined both registrant and informant perspectives up to the Case Examiner stage, and explored communication and support throughout the process.

Survey Findings

• The survey covered cases decided between April 2022 and January 2025.
• Most respondents expressed dissatisfaction with both the process and the outcome.
• Registrants were more likely than informants to feel communication was clear and proportionate.
• Only one in four informants felt their concerns were taken seriously.
• Key areas identified for improvement included investigation length, support for participants, and timely responses to queries.

Communication and Support Findings

The second study found evidence of progress towards a more supportive, learning-oriented culture, but warned that change is not happening quickly enough.

• Participants reported unclear expectations, infrequent updates and impersonal language, which fostered anxiety and mistrust.
• Fitness to practise processes were often perceived as punitive, leading to defensiveness rather than early resolution.
• Many felt “lost in the process” due to confusing formats, lack of transparency and inaccessible digital tools.
• International registrants, neurodivergent individuals and lower-paid professionals were seen as disproportionately disadvantaged.
• Staff themselves faced high emotional demands without consistent support or debriefing.

The research concluded that while the GDC is moving towards a more supportive regulatory model, communication and support remain overly procedural and emotionally disconnected.

Theresa Thorp, Executive Director of Regulation, acknowledged the findings:

“While we have made significant improvements in recent years, this research makes it clear there is more we need to do. We know that fitness to practise investigations can take too long and feel overly complex, often leading to feelings of mistrust and negatively impacting the mental health and wellbeing of those involved. We’re committed to making evidence-based changes that will have the greatest impact on improving the process.”

She confirmed that the GDC is already acting to improve communication, provide better support, and reduce investigation times.

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