eGDCGDC publishes whistleblowing disclosures report
The General Dental Council (GDC), alongside eight other UK healthcare regulators, today published its 2025 annual report on whistleblowing disclosures, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
The joint report demonstrates the healthcare regulators' continued coordinated effort in addressing whistleblowing concerns and maintaining transparency in how these disclosures are handled.
Key findings for the GDC:
79 whistleblowing disclosures received - the same number as last year
All disclosures resulted in regulatory action taking place, namely the opening of a fitness to practise case
46 cases proceeded with regulatory action taken, while 32 were closed due to insufficient information despite efforts to obtain it
Of the 46 remaining cases, 29 are still being considered at the assessment stage, and may lead to a referral by the Case Examiners
51 of the concerns came from dental professionals, 22 from non-registrants employed in dentistry, and six were anonymous
Conduct concerns featured in 54 of the 79 disclosures
During the reporting period, we strengthened our approach to identifying and supporting whistleblowers through quarterly reviews and additional verification processes implemented in 2024-25, ensuring appropriate support for those raising concerns.
We have also enhanced our approach to managing whistleblowing disclosures through improved quarterly review processes. We completed additional reviews in 2024 and 2025 to confirm the status of individuals raising concerns and ensure they meet the whistleblowing criteria.
The Whistleblowing disclosures report 2025 is published jointly by us with the General Chiropractic Council, General Medical Council, General Optical Council, General Osteopathic Council, General Pharmaceutical Council, Health and Care Professions Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Social Work England.
Speaking up to protect patients and maintain public confidence in dental care remains a priority for us, particularly when serious concerns regarding public safety or professional conduct are raised.
You can read more on our definition of a whistleblower, find out how more about how to raise a concern if you work in dentistry, and download the Whistleblowing disclosures report 2025 on our website.