GDC FTP Investigation Trigger — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: C — Repeated unsafe treatment has caused harm to several patients

The GDC’s role is public protection, not routine complaint resolution. It investigates serious concerns about clinical practice, behaviour or health where harm has occurred or may occur, or where public confidence could be undermined. Repeated unsafe treatment causing harm to several patients therefore provides a clear patient-safety concern and is the best answer. Dissatisfaction with crown shade, reception waiting time, or a request to see another dentist are ordinary service or preference issues. Declining proposed options is also not, by itself, evidence of impaired fitness to practise. These matters may require appropriate communication and local complaint handling, but they do not alone meet the GDC investigation threshold.

Reference: General Dental Council. How we investigate public protection issues or concerns, sections “Our public protection role” and “Stage 1: Initial assessment”, current webpage accessed 24 July 2026. https://www.gdc-uk.org/raising-concerns/public-protection-issues-and-concerns-about-dental-professionals/how-we-investigate-public-protection-issues-or-concerns