Professional Performance Committee

The Professional Performance Committee (PPC) is a statutory Committee of the Council. It is one of three Practice Committees.

The PPC considers allegation(s) 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 allegation(s) referred to it, the PPC 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 PPC may also refer the case back to the case examiners, Investigating Committee, to any other Practice Committee or to the Interim Orders Committee.

If the PPC decides that a registrant’s ability to practise is effected because of deficient professional performance it must cancel any interim order currently in place.

In the interests of public accountability, hearings before the PPC are generally open to the public. They may, however, be heard:

• in private where 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 PPC is drawn from the fitness to practise panelists who are both dental professionals and lay members.

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

The current guidance in use for Practice Committees is Guidance for the Practice Committees - including sanctions guidance.