We welcome the GDC’s move towards a more principles-based Framework for Professionalism, but highlight the need to balance flexibility with clear expectations for dental professionals. Our response raises concerns that the proposed Framework may need stronger expectations and supporting guidance in key areas, including financial conflicts of interest, sexual misconduct and professional boundaries, complaints handling, equality, diversity and inclusion, and conduct outside professional practice.
In our response, we have encouraged the GDC to ensure that key areas of guidance and/or further Expectations are developed and incorporated before the new Framework comes into force, to ensure public protection is upheld.