Carol Somerville Roberts shares her personal experience of fitness to practise proceedings and advice for other dental professionals on how to cope.
It was a beautiful spring day when I opened the letter that would flip my world upside down. The letter no dentist ever wants to receive: notification from the General Dental Council (GDC) that a complaint had been made against me and a fitness to practise (FtP) investigation was underway. In that instant, everything changed.
Until then, I naively assumed that only ‘bad’ dentists were investigated. So, what did that make me? As the panic set in, I had to compose myself and carry on with my day. I was, after all, a practice owner and a busy clinician. Patients were waiting.
But internally, I was screaming, disoriented by disbelief. The hardest part was putting on my game face every time I stepped into my treatment room. For a long time, none of my team knew what I was going through. I felt like I was living two lives.
The complaint wasn’t even from a patient. It came from a charity who took issue with some wording on my website. They hadn’t ever contacted me directly, nor had the GDC.
‘The experience shook me profoundly’
The investigation began without warning. Fifteen months later, it concluded with a bit of advice about website wording.
When the panel read their decision, the room fell silent, I was shaking. In my case, they began by stating there was no case to answer. Relief washed over me – followed by a full reading of their considerations. Then, it was simply over.
After months of fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion, I heard the words: ‘Miss Somerville Roberts, you can leave.’ And that was that: the room cleared, life moved on, my legal team and the GDC were all focused on the next case. Despite this, the experience shook me profoundly.
I walked to a champagne bar with my sisters while I called my husband, who was at home with our children. There were tears.
If you ever receive that dreaded notification, here are six ways to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally:
1. Don’t panic
It sounds obvious, but your mind will likely spiral. Stop, breathe, and slow everything down. Call your indemnity provider straight away. I wrongly assumed that because the complaint wasn’t patient-related, I wouldn’t be covered, I was. These organisations handle FtP cases regularly and can guide you through the process.
2. You are not a bad person
The GDC is legally obligated to investigate complaints. It doesn’t mean you’re guilty of anything. A caseworker will be assigned to assess the evidence both for and against you. Many cases are dropped after initial review. But the waiting game can be mentally exhausting. Every email or update can reignite anxiety. In those moments, remember: your job does not define your entire worth. If you’re overwhelmed, reach out. Services like Confidental offer peer support from trained professionals.
3. Choose your attitude
It’s natural to feel angry, scared, or helpless. But one thing remains within your control: your attitude. You can’t dictate the outcome, but you can choose how you show up each day. This process doesn’t have to dominate your life. It can exist alongside your relationships, your passions, and your purpose. Your family, your team, and your patients still need you.
4. Understand the process
The FtP process begins when the GDC receives a complaint. After initial triage, a case examiner gathers evidence, and you’re invited to respond.
If there’s an immediate risk to patient safety, the case may go to the Interim Orders Committee, which can impose temporary conditions or suspension. Otherwise, the matter might proceed to a formal hearing before a Professional Conduct, Health, or Performance Committee. There, evidence is presented, and your fitness to practise is evaluated. Outcomes range from no action to erasure from the register. You may also appeal decisions to the High Court.
If the case progresses to a hearing, your indemnity provider will assign a solicitor, who may in turn instruct a barrister. I never imagined I’d be in chambers at the Inner Temple, but there I was (that part of London is actually quite beautiful!).
5. Manage the narrative
One of my biggest mistakes was staying silent. Aside from a few close friends and family, no one knew what I was going through. The night before my hearing, I discovered the case had been made public. The GDC lists upcoming hearings online, and mine had made its way onto social media. I was horrified, but then something unexpected happened: people reached out with messages of support. I realised I wasn’t alone, others had walked this path.
Talk to people you trust. Don’t let rumours shape your story. You don’t have to announce it on social media but being proactive and open with your circle can bring comfort, perspective, and solidarity.
6. Understand what actually happens at a hearing
FtP hearings are legal proceedings, but they don’t take place in grand courtrooms. Any appropriately sized room can serve as the venue. The panel usually includes three people, there is also a legal adviser, a court recorder, and representatives from both sides.
Witnesses are called and cross-examined. You are most likely to be called to give evidence and be cross-examined by the GDC’s barrister.
The hearing usually unfolds in stages: first, determining whether there is a case to answer; second, assessing whether your fitness to practise is impaired; and finally, deciding on appropriate sanctions if needed.
There’s a lot of waiting involved, and it’s helpful to bring distractions – books, podcasts, or mindfulness tools. You’re not kept isolated, friends and family can accompany you, and their presence is grounding.
That first day was terrifying. But it’s the GDC’s job to prove their case, not your job to prove innocence. Be honest, be clear, you are human.
Learnings
So, what can you take from my experience?
- You are probably more resilient than you think
- You will never please everyone
- You will discover who your true friends and allies are
- You do not have to suffer in silence
- Some things are out of your control – and that’s okay.
Finally, whilst my story is unique to me, I continue to support the role of the GDC in upholding professional standards and ensuring patient safety.
Their role is necessary, but we must also remember the human impact of the process. If you’re ever in that position, take heart, you are not alone and you will get through it.
