The Professional Performance Committee (PrPC), a statutory committee of the Council, is one of three Practice Committees. The Committee considers allegations where it appears that a dental professional’s performance is deficient and if this deficiency amounts to an impairment of their fitness to practise.

After consideration of the allegations referred to it the PrPC 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 (immediate conditions can be applied if required)
• Suspend the registrant for up to 12 months (with or without a review) (immediate suspension if required)
• Erase the registrant from the Register

The PrPC may also refer the case back to the Investigating Committee, to any other Practice Committee or to the Interim Orders Committee. 

If the PrPC finds that a registrant’s fitness to practise is impaired by reason of deficient professional performance it must revoke any interim order currently in place.

In the interests of public accountability, hearings before the PrPC are generally open to the public. They may, however, be heard in private where the interests of the parties or the protection of the personal life of the respondent so requires, or if the Committee considers that publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.

Membership of the PrPC is drawn from the Fitness to Practise Panellists who are both dental professionals and lay members.

The rules governing the procedure of the PrPC are the General Dental Council (Fitness to Practice) Rules Order of Council 2006.

Guidance for the Professional Performance Committee

Email: hearings@gdc-uk.org