The GDC has evolved this year - here's what registrants need to know

Several important changes have taken place at the General Dental Council during 2026. If you're facing, or could one day face, a Fitness to Practise investigation, understanding these developments could help you better navigate the process and what to expect.

Several important developments during 2026

There have been several significant developments at the General Dental Council during 2026 that may affect registrants: 

• The GDC has launched a consultation on a new Framework for Professionalism, which is intended to replace the current Standards for the Dental Team.   The proposed framework aims to be less prescriptive and allow registrants to exercise greater professional judgment.  The GDC has said this is not intended to lower professional standards but to modernise the way professionalism is regulated. 

  
  

• The GDC has also consulted on revised Fitness to Practise guidance, with the stated aim of making decision-making fairer, more proportionate, and consistent.  This could influence how concerns are assessed and managed in future investigations. 

• A more detailed annual Fitness to Practice report has been published, providing greater transparency about referrals, investigations, and outcomes. 

  
  

• The new MyGDC online portal has gone live, replacing eGDC for many registration and administrative functions as part of the regulators, digital modernisation programme. 

  
  

• Revised Standards for Education are being implements for UK dental education providers from 2026/2027 academic year following a comprehensive review.

What does this mean for registrants?

Not every update will have an immediate impact on practising dentistry. However, for anyone involved in a Fitness to Practise investigation, the proposed changes to the professionalism framework and the revised Fitness to Practise guidance are particularly significant.

Together, they signal a continued move towards more proportionate, contextual decision-making. While every case is assessed on its own facts, we're already seeing themes emerge that can make a real difference to how investigations are managed and resolved.

A greater focus on proportionality

The GDC has recognised that Fitness to Practise investigations are inherently stressful and has made reducing unnecessary investigations one of its priorities.

We're seeing more cases resolved at an earlier stage where concerns can be addressed through remediation, rather than progressing to formal hearings. Where appropriate, this creates stronger opportunities to argue that education, reflection and support are more proportionate than regulatory sanctions.

Conditions may be preferred over suspension

Updated guidance encourages panels to consider practical, measurable conditions where public protection can be achieved without suspending a registrant.

Where the evidence supports it, this strengthens submissions that:

• Conditions can safely manage any identified risk

• Remediation is the appropriate response

• Suspension is not the least restrictive outcome.

Remediation continues to matter

Evidence of genuine remediation remains one of the strongest factors in a registrant's favour.

This includes:

• Genuine insight

• Appropriate early admissions

• Reflective practice

• Relevant CPD or retraining

• Supportive testimonials

• Evidence that concerns are unlikely to be repeated.

  
  

The earlier this evidence is gathered, the stronger it can be.

Delays are receiving greater scrutiny

The Professional Standards Authority has continued to raise concerns about delays in Fitness to Practise investigations.

Where cases become prolonged, there may be stronger arguments that unnecessary delay has caused unfairness to the registrant and should be taken into account when decisions are made.

Interim Orders are not disciplinary findings

It's important to remember that Interim Orders are protective measures, not findings of misconduct.

They are designed to manage potential risk while investigations continue and should not be interpreted as indicating the likely outcome of a case. This can be an important distinction when dealing with employers, NHS England or insurers.

Some cases continue to receive particular scrutiny

The GDC has strengthened its approach to allegations involving sexual misconduct, harassment and discrimination, with an increased emphasis on maintaining public confidence.

Similarly, where cases relate to a registrant's health, panels continue to focus on engagement with treatment, medical evidence and effective management of any ongoing risks.

Both areas require careful preparation supported by robust evidence from the outset.

Keeping pace with a changing regulatory landscape

Although these changes have been introduced gradually throughout 2026 rather than all at once, together they demonstrate the direction the GDC is taking. The emphasis is increasingly on proportionality, context and evidence, while maintaining patient protection and public confidence.

For registrants, understanding these developments can make a meaningful difference when responding to concerns and preparing a defence.

At Buxton Coates, we've continued to adapt our approach throughout the year to reflect the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring our advice and defence strategies remain aligned with current guidance and emerging trends.

Facing a GDC investigation?

A Fitness to Practise investigation can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Early advice can make a significant difference to how your case progresses.

If you've received correspondence from the GDC or you're concerned about a complaint, speak to our specialist dental defence team in confidence. We're here to guide you through the process, explain your options and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us by calling 0330 088 2275, or email info@buxtoncoates.com.