The Professional Conduct Committee

The Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), a statutory committee of the Council, is one of three practice committees. The PCC considers whether an allegation referred to it amounts to misconduct and if this misconduct amounts to an impairment of the registrant’s fitness to practise.

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 (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 PCC also has the right to refer the case back to the Investigating Committee, any other practice committees or the Interim Orders Committee.

If the PCC finds that a registrant’s fitness to practise is impaired by reason of misconduct it must revoke 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 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 PCC is drawn from the fitness to practise panellists who are both dental professionals and lay members.

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

Guidance for the Professional Conduct Committee (113KB, PDF)

Find out about forthcoming PCC cases and the committee's recent decisions
in our hearings sections

Find out more about PCC procedures and the action the committee can take.