This report was commissioned by the GDC. This report considers the main perceived risk factors – competence, conduct, and context - that impede practice in accordance with the GDC’s standards.  The research found that the main competency risk factors in dentistry are perceived to be: poor communication, inadequate record keeping, and poor treatment, the main conduct factors were: health issues, and lack of professionalism, and the main context factors were – work overload, isolated practice, financial incentives and pressures, and gender. The research drew upon key published literature, a representative registrant perceptions survey, and in-depth dental and regulation stakeholder interviews.