Article
Guest Editorial – 50 Lashes by the GDC
I read the guest editorial by Conor O'Malley in January's issue with a heavy heart. In his article, Conor gives a painfully honest account of his fitness to practice (FtP) case, and issues around it. He should be held up as an example of professional bravery for his honesty in reflection.
Unfortunately, his case is not unique, and I have recently supported a colleague through the fitness to practice process, made worse when he was abandoned by his indemnity organization. In both cases, it is clear that there is no clear general support accessible by practitioners during and after an FtP case. Such support is essential, as a registrant faced with FtP will be assailed by a range of emotions and self doubts, with a high risk of developing or exacerbating mental health issues during and after the process. Support needed will vary from counselling and psychological therapies, through educational support, guidance in reflection, mentoring, and even financial advice.
At present, there appears to be no-one to provide this support; it is certainly not the role of the regulator, although the GDC does have trained staff who can signpost registrants to external providers, such as the Dentists' Health Support Programme, or the British Doctors and Dentists Group. However, many of the contacts are aimed towards health-related issues, such as alcohol and substance abuse, rather than generic support during FtP. The Deaneries have a role in support of dentists in difficulty, when performance issues have arisen, or there is a referral from the regulator; however, these are local arrangements, and are limited in scope. Could this be the role of the indemnity organizations? This might seem logical but, at present, there is little apparent provision in this sphere.
Some might feel this would best lie with a professional body such as a trade union, ie the British Dental Association (BDA) but, at present, the primary service offered by the BDA is psychological support for general mental health issues, such as anxiety or addiction. As only a proportion of the profession are actually members, those who are not would not be able to access a service provided by the organization. Whilst I am sure that members would find this helpful, the service is limited in its provision to six sessions of contact, inadequate for the duration of an FtP case.
Therefore, it seems to me that there is a need for a support network for colleagues who are facing the FtP process, that can provide the contact and personal support during the process and afterwards. To this end, perhaps I might ask colleagues who feel that they may be able to support an initiative to contact myself and Conor to consider how this can be best taken forwards.
This may prove to be a challenging job. It may also go nowhere – you know how divided and isolated – or isolationist – dentists can be!