Blue on blue

Abstract

This Opinion article looks at the surprising number of referrals to the General Dental Council (GDC) fitness-to-practise process by other colleagues. Whilst some of these are undoubtedly genuine referrals to protect the public, essentially whistleblowing, many others are used as weapons in inter-professional disagreements or as part of financial disputes. The GDC is unable to distinguish between these referrals on the basis of the complainant's motives. Registrants should think twice about using the GDC for this reason and the profession should offer alternative avenues to resolve these matters.