Confidentiality Breach — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: C — Raise the concern with the practice manager under the practice procedure

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D

A is correct. Posting identifiable patient information on social media without consent breaches GDC confidentiality standards. A colleague who becomes aware of this must raise the concern appropriately, normally through the workplace procedure, so that it can be investigated, the information-governance response managed and any need for onward regulatory referral considered. The GDC requires concerns to be raised when patients may be at risk because of a colleague’s behaviour, and dental nurses are GDC registrants. Private advice alone (B) and deleting posts alone (C) do not ensure proper investigation or prevent recurrence. Patient communication (D) may be necessary, but should be coordinated by those managing the incident rather than undertaken unilaterally. E is false because dental nurses are regulated by the GDC.

Reference: General Dental Council, Standards for the Dental Team, Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk, Standard 8.1.1 and 8.2.6 (current). https://standards.gdc-uk.org/pages/principle8/principle8