About this course
This comprehensive course is designed for dental professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and application of the General Dental Council's Professional Standards. It provides essential knowledge and practical guidelines to enhance patient care and professional conduct.
This course looks at each of the nine GDC Professional Standards, providing insights into their significance and practical application in daily dental practice. You will learn how to effectively integrate these standards to ensure high-quality patient care and ethical professional conduct.
The knowledge and skills gained from this course are very important for maintaining and enhancing the standards of care and professionalism in dentistry. The course is structured to provide an in-depth understanding of each standard, its implications, and practical applications.
This course is a GDC Recommended CPD Topic (Legal & Ethical Issues).
This course is relevant to dentists, nurses, hygienists, therapists, and all other dental care professionals.
CPD Time: 1.5 hours (1.5 CPD Credits)
Customer feedback on this course
- Thoroughly covered all GDC standards with practical insights.
- Enhanced my understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities.
- Valuable for integrating patient-centred care principles into practice.
- Clear, concise, and very relevant to current dental practices.
- Great resource for improving communication and patient relationships.
Assessment: 12 MCQs. Pass mark 75%. more…
On passing the assessment you will immediately receive a GDC-recognised Enhanced CPD Certificate.
Aim:
To enhance understanding and implementation of GDC Professional Standards in dental practice.
Course objective:
• Develop knowledge of the nine GDC Professional Standards.
• Foster the ability to apply these standards in everyday dental practice.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:
• Identify key aspects of patient-centred care.
• Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
• Understand and implement informed consent processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of patient information.
• Respond appropriately to patient concerns and complaints.
GDC Development Outcomes:
D
Learning content:
1: Patient Interests | 2: Effective Communication | 3: Valid Consent | 4: Protecting Information | 5: Complaints Procedure | 6: Working with Colleagues | 7: Knowledge and Skills | 8: Raising Concerns | 9: Personal Behaviour | Course Completion
View full course description
GDC Standards for the Dental Team
Course Description
1: Patient Interests
This section emphasises the importance of putting patient interests first. Dental professionals are required to prioritise patient welfare, ensuring a safe, hygienic environment, and making ethical decisions that protect the dignity and autonomy of patients.
2: Effective Communication
Effective communication is essential for building trust and ensuring patients fully understand their treatment options. This section focuses on clear, respectful communication and the need to actively listen to and respect patient decisions.
3: Valid Consent
Informed consent is very important in dental practice. This section covers the legal and ethical requirements for obtaining valid consent, ensuring patients are fully informed about treatments, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and that consent is obtained continuously throughout the treatment process.
4: Protecting Information
Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical dental practice. This section explains how to maintain accurate, secure patient records and ensure compliance with data protection laws, safeguarding personal and health information at all times.
5: Complaints Procedure
Having an effective complaints procedure is essential for addressing patient concerns and improving service quality. This section outlines how to manage complaints professionally, transparently, and constructively, using them as opportunities for improvement.
6: Working with Colleagues
Collaboration with colleagues is essential to provide the best possible patient care. This section highlights the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, and clear communication, ensuring the patient’s interests are always the priority.
7: Knowledge and Skills
Continuous professional development is very important in maintaining clinical skills and knowledge. This section focuses on staying within one’s scope of practice, engaging in lifelong learning, and keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry.
8: Raising Concerns
Dental professionals have a duty to raise concerns if they believe patient safety is at risk. This section explains the importance of identifying risks, reporting concerns, and fostering a supportive environment where issues can be addressed without fear of reprisal.
9: Personal Behaviour
Personal behaviour significantly impacts patient confidence. This section stresses the need for professionalism both in and out of the workplace, ethical conduct, responsible use of social media, and managing personal health and stress to maintain high standards of care.
Course Completion
Participants will provide feedback, take a multiple-choice exam, and receive a GDC-compliant CPD certificate. The course emphasises the practical application of GDC standards to enhance professionalism and patient care in dental practice.
You can copy and adapt this example PDP entry for your own needs and circumstances. The format complies with GDC guidance on PDP structure.
| PDP Learning or Maintenance need |
| Implementing and upholding GDC Professional Standards in practice |
| How does this relate to my field of practice? |
| Essential for maintaining high standards of patient care and professional conduct. |
| Which development outcome(s) does it link to? |
| D |
| What benefit will this have to my work? |
| Enhanced understanding of ethical responsibilities, improved patient interactions, and professional growth. |
| How will I meet this learning or maintenance need? |
| Take the Verified Learning course "GDC Standards For The Dental Team". |
| When will I complete this by? |
Note: After copying and adapting the suggested PDP entry, remember to reflect, plan, act, and evaluate for every CPD activity you undertake.