eGDCProfessional Conduct Committee
The Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) is a statutory Committee of the Council. It is one of three Practice Committees. The PCC decides if an allegation referred to it amounts to misconduct. The PCC also decides if this misconduct means that a registrant's ability to practise as a dental professional is affected.
After consideration of the allegations referred to it the PCC may:
- conclude that the registrant's fitness to practise is not impaired and close the case
- issue a reprimand
- impose conditions for up to 36 months (with a review) (immediate conditions can be applied if required)
- suspend the registrant for up to 12 months (with or without a review) (immediate suspension can be applied if required)
- erase the registrant from the Register.
The PCC also has the right to refer the case back to the Case examiners, Investigating Committee or any other Practice Committees or the Interim Orders Committee.
If the PCC decides that a registrant's ability to practise as a dental professional is affected because of misconduct, it must cancel any interim order currently in place. In the interests of public accountability, hearings before the PCC are generally open to the public. They may, however, be heard in private if it is in:
- the interests of the parties
- or for the protection of the personal life of the registrant
- or if the Committee considers that publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.
Membership of the PCC is drawn from the fitness to practise panelists who are both dental professionals and lay members.
The rules governing PCC procedures are the General Dental Council (Fitness to Practice) Rules Order of Council 2006.
Find out about forthcoming PCC cases and the Committee's recent decisions in our hearings sections.
The current guidance in use for Practice Committees is Guidance for the Practice Committees including Indicative Sanctions Guidance.
Practice Committees may also hold a Preliminary Meeting where parties seek further directions on the case. Preliminary Meeting Guidance is available for those involved.