COVID-19 Reassurances From The GDC

COVID-19 Reassurances From The GDC

The MDDUS has broadly welcomed the acknowledgement by the General Dental Council, that challenging and difficult conditions faced by the dental profession during the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered formally, during any investigations into complaints about registrants.

A joint statement by the chief executives of statutory regulators of health and social care professionals including the GDC, sought to reassure registrants that the regulatory body would consider the specific facts of any case brought, but would also take into account “the factors relevant to the environment in which the professional is working.”

In his introduction, GDC Chief Executive Ian Brack said “I think it is important to acknowledge the care that all dental professionals have continued to provide to patients through these very difficult and challenging circumstances.”

The joint statement from regulatory bodies including the General Medical Council said: “We recognise that in highly challenging circumstances, professionals may need to depart from established procedures in order to care for patients and people using health and social care services. Our regulatory standards are designed to be flexible and to provide a framework for decision-making in a wide range of situations.”

As “further reassurance” to dental professionals, Mr Brack also published the supplementary advice given to GDC case examiners outlining the factors that should be taken into account when considering the impact of COVID-19 on a dental professional’s ability to deliver care.

The supplementary advice reiterated the GDC’s commitment to registrants that the regulator would not penalise well-grounded professional judgements on how best to meet the needs of patients.

The advice guides case examiners to take into consideration challenges that dental professionals may face, such as the availability and appropriateness of PPE. It also advised examiners to take into consideration the difficulties registrants may face with communicating effectively with patients and colleagues due to face coverings and shields.

The GDC also recognises the difficulties in implementing , new guidelines that may be communicated quickly to practices from ‘unusual channels.’

The GDC also advised case examiners to take into consideration factors which may affect delivery of services, such as practice closures due to COVID-19, staff shortages, self-isolation requirements, and limitations in the delivery of services due to fallow time requirements and infection-control measures.

Delays in treatment due to backlogs were among other factors case examiners are asked to take into consideration.  Limited referral options were another aspect that examiners are advised to evaluate.

Stephen Henderson, head of the dental division at MDDUS, said: “This is the right advice, at the right time.”

“This is vital to address the stress and uncertainty caused by investigations into actions taken during the pandemic. MDDUS believes that dentists and DCPs must have peace of mind that they will be treated fairly and proportionately in the regulatory process.

“The public recognition by the GDC of factors that can impact upon care during the pandemic including the challenges of wearing PPE, keeping up to date with new guidance, and the personal impact of the pandemic on dental professionals is welcome and timely.”

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