Breaking Down the GDC Principles: What They Mean and Why They Matter
As dentistry recruitment specialists, we know that providing the best possible patient care is top priority. When you’re busy, it’s easy to forget to take time to reflect on your practice. We’ve made this process easier by outlining the General Dental Council’s 9 principles (as part of the Standards for the Dental Team).
As you know, these encourage all dental professionals to ensure high standards of patient care. Let's take a closer look at each of them and why they’re so important for your dental practice.
1. Put patients' interests first
Principle One looks at the importance of putting patients at the centre of your dental care. Of course, your goal is to provide respectful and transparent treatment. And as dental professionals, this means respecting your patients’ choices, as well as their culture and values so that you can provide honest and personalised care.
You're encouraged to consider all aspects of their health and wellbeing. This might include:
Maintaining a clean and safe environment.
Accommodations for disabilities.
Taking a preventative approach to treatment.
Putting patients' needs before any financial gain or business needs.
2. Communicate effectively with patients
We know how nervous patients can be. Surveys reveal that up to 53% of the UK population are scared of visiting their dentist.
Good communication can help to put your patients at ease. Keep in mind that they may have particular communication needs or preferences. You can build trust to make sure they feel comfortable and confident in their dental care.
3. Obtain valid consent
For Principle Three, you can put your good communication into play.
It’s not easy making a decision about your health. Transparency about the risks, benefits, and costs can help your patients to make informed decisions. They need to give their consent voluntarily, and they can withdraw at any time.
4. Maintain and protect patients' confidentiality.
Principle Four looks at the confidentiality and accuracy of patient records. As a dental professional, patients place their trust in you. They expect you to only share their details with those who need to know. Plus, you should only use them for their given purpose unless under exceptional circumstances. Patients should also be able to access their dental records at any time by law.
According to the General Dental Council, you should keep patient information stored securely at all times, whether these records are on paper or electronically.
5. Have a clear and effective complaints procedure.
In the unlikely event of a complaint, patients expect to be listened to and dealt with promptly. The GDC requires you to have an effective procedure to follow at all times. This means your response should be prompt and constructive.
In doing so, you inspire patients' confidence and trust in their care, making them feel heard and respected. It also proves your commitment to providing high-quality care.
6. Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests.
We know you and your team want to provide the best possible care for patients. The sixth point of the GDC principles looks at collaboration and teamwork.
This principle reminds you to delegate and refer where appropriate, and only accept referrals or delegate when trained and competent.
If your role requires it, you can show your effective leadership and management skills through clear communication with your team. This helps to keep patients informed about each professional's role in their care.
7. Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills.
To help you be the best dental professional you can be, make sure you take time to keep your knowledge up to date. You can do this by:
Staying abreast of the latest developments in dental technology
Attending regular training and development programs
Following the Enhanced CPD scheme requirements
However, it's important to recognise your limitations. Although you may be developing your skills, you should only work within your capabilities. For example:
Only carry out treatments that you are qualified to perform.
Recognise when to refer patients to specialists or other healthcare professionals where necessary.
8. Raise concerns if patients are at risk.
Of course, if you're ever worried that a patient is at risk of harm, you'll want to do what you can to help them.
One of the best ways you can help to protect your patient is by reaching out to colleagues. You should also report the matter to the appropriate authorities - for example, if you have any concerns about vulnerable patients.
In the unlikely event that a colleague or environment puts patients at risk, you must take action. We're all working together towards a common goal, so it's important to encourage a culture where staff can raise concerns in a safe space.
9. Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients' confidence in you and the dental profession
Last but not least - we all know the importance of personal and professional conduct. Our behaviour can have a huge impact on patient trust and confidence. Being mindful of our actions both in and out of work can help to put their minds at ease. This promotes their trust in you and the dental profession as a whole to provide quality care and act ethically and responsibly.
And there you have it! We hope you’ve found this a useful reference point to reflect on the 9 GDC Principles. By keeping them in mind, you can provide the best possible care for your patients.
Find out more about how we can support your dentistry career, or browse our latest vacancies.
