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Ethics and Ethical Standards for Dentists & Dental Professionals

👥 0 students 📖 32 lessons & topics

Course Description

Ethical concerns such as consent, honesty, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and the duty of candour are among the most common reasons for complaints and regulatory action in dentistry. The General Dental Council (GDC) expects dental professionals to act with integrity, put patients’ interests first, and maintain public confidence in the profession. This course provides clear, practical guidance on navigating ethical dilemmas, meeting GDC standards, and responding appropriately when things go wrong.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and orthodontic therapists working across NHS and independent dental settings in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, investigations, fitness-to-practise proceedings, or remediation relating to ethical concerns.

What You Will Learn

The course covers core ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and confidentiality, the GDC Standards for the Dental Team as applied in practice, informed consent and shared decision-making, the duty of candour, accurate documentation and ethical record-keeping, professional boundaries with patients and colleagues, common ethical breaches and their consequences, and GDC fitness-to-practise processes.

What You Receive

On successful completion you receive a CPD UK accredited certificate and structured CPD evidence suitable for GDC CPD requirements, appraisal, revalidation, and remediation portfolios. The course is fully online and self-paced — accessible immediately after enrolment.

CPD UK CertifiedThis course is CPD UK certified. The accredited certificate issued on completion is accepted as evidence for GDC CPD requirements, appraisal, revalidation, and professional regulatory submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This course is CPD UK certified, and participants receive an accredited CPD certificate on successful completion.

Yes. The course provides structured CPD evidence suitable for appraisal, revalidation, and professional portfolios for GDC-registered professionals.

Yes. This course is particularly suitable for dental professionals dealing with complaints, investigations, fitness-to-practise processes, or remediation relating to ethical concerns.

Yes. The course explains the duty of candour, how to apologise appropriately, and how to respond honestly and professionally when things go wrong.

Yes. The course is delivered fully online and can be completed at your own pace, with instant access immediately after enrolment.

Yes. On successful completion you will receive an accredited CPD certificate suitable for appraisal, revalidation, and regulatory purposes in the UK.

Course Content

1

Section 1 – Overview of Healthcare Ethics

  • 1.1 What is Healthcare Ethics?

  • 1.2 Importance of Ethics in Dental Profession

  • 1.3 Overview of the GDC’s Role

  • 1.4 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 1

2

Section 2 – Core Ethical Principles in Healthcare Practice

  • 2.1 Autonomy

  • 2.2 Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

  • 2.3 Justice

  • 2.4 Confidentiality

  • 2.5 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 2

3

Section 3 – Professional Integrity and Honesty

  • 3.1 Maintaining Honesty and Integrity

  • 3.2 Duty of Candour

  • 3.3 Documentation and Record-Keeping

  • 3.4 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 3

4

Section 4 – Patient-Centred Care and Shared Decision-Making

  • 4.1 Informed Consent

  • 4.2 Patient Communication

  • 4.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 4

5

Section 5 – Professional Boundaries and Conduct

  • 5.1 Maintaining Appropriate Boundaries

  • 5.2 GDC Guidance on Boundaries

  • 5.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 5

6

Section 6 – Breach of Expected Ethical Standards

  • 6.1 Common Breaches

  • 6.2 Consequences of Breaching Ethical Standards

  • 6.3 GDC’s Actions in Response to Breaches

  • 6.4 Steps Dental Professionals Should Take to Remediate

  • 6.5 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 6

7

Section 7 – Conclusion and Takeaways

  • 7.1 Conclusion and Key Takeaways