About the Framework for Professionalism

This Framework provides the GDC’s guidance to registered dental professionals on the standards of conduct, performance, and practice they are expected to uphold.

It sets out, in general terms, how we expect dental professionals to behave and outlines what the public should expect from those providing their oral healthcare.

It specifies the four Principles of Professionalism (the Principles) [1] that all dental professionals are expected to follow and keep at the heart of their practice. Under each Principle key Expectations of dental professionals when applying that Principle are set out. In addition, Professional Guidance documents provide detail in to set clear and mandatory direction, obligations or boundaries.

Together, the Principles of Professionalism, the Expectations and these Professional Guidance documents form the statutory guidance issued by the GDC to dental professionals.

The GDC expects all dental professionals to be aware of, and follow, the Principles, Expectations and Professional Guidance set out in the Framework, using professional judgment, and demonstrating insight at all times. In some situations, dental professionals will have to make decisions about which part of the Framework has most weight in a particular situation. Below, we set how dental professionals should use each element of the Framework to exercise that judgement.

Serious or persistent failure to follow the Principles, Expectations and Professional Guidance is likely to be an indication that the dental professional is not fit to practise and could lead to sanction that removes or restricts their ability to work as a dental professional.

In addition to guidance issued by the GDC, registered dental professionals must find out about, and follow, the laws and regulations which apply to their professional conduct and practice.

This Framework applies to all registered members of the dental team:

• Clinical dental technicians
• Dental hygienists
• Dental nurses
• Dental technicians
• Dental therapists
• Dentists
• Orthodontic therapists
  

All those registered with the GDC are expected to behave professionally, to use their judgement and to keep the Principles of Professionalism (the ‘Principles’) at the heart of their decision making.

The Principles are all equally important and are not listed in order of priority.  Dental professionals must uphold the Principles in every aspect of their practice and in their personal life.

Expectations are set out under each Principle and provide an explanation of many of the ways that dental professionals can demonstrate they have upheld that Principle. They may be demonstrated in various ways, and how they do this will be informed by professional judgement, context and the patient’s circumstance.

Dental professionals are normally expected to meet the Expectations, however it will be necessary to use professional judgment to assess which Expectations are relevant to a situation and be able to justify any decision to depart from an Expectation with reference to another Principle, Expectation or Professional Guidance.  

Where we have identified a need to say more on a topic to protect patient safety or maintain public confidence, we have set out Professional Guidance. Professional Guidance are documents which set out clear direction from the GDC on a specific topic where clear boundaries or specific obligations are required.  The Framework currently sets Professional Guidance in the following areas:

• Scope of Practice (effective from 1 November 2025)
• Professional Indemnity and Insurance (effective from 12 February 2024)
• Reporting matters to the GDC (effective from 1 February 2025)
• Guidance on advertising (to stay live with a light touch update to reflect the Principles, until it can be reviewed and replaced with professional guidance on Communication)
• Guidance on using social media (to stay live with a light touch update to reflect the Principles, until it can be reviewed and replaced with Professional Guidance on Communication)
  

Dental professionals must understand and follow the Professional Guidance in all circumstances. Where the guidance sets out requirements that must be followed without exception, this is made explicit. In other areas, the guidance clarifies what dental professionals are not required to do or asks them to exercise professional judgement and seek advice where appropriate.

Within the Framework, Supporting Materials are in place to explain and support the Principles, Expectation and Professional Guidance. These Supporting Materials are not formal guidance but are designed to help professionals build confidence and understanding in how to apply the Framework. The information contained in the Supporting Materials will not be relied upon as the basis of an allegation of impaired fitness to practise.