Unregistered Practice Criminal Offence — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyBehavioural Sciences & EthicsUnregistered Practice Criminal OffenceORE Part 1

A dental professional continues to provide dental treatment after their name has been removed from the GDC register. What is the legal consequence of this conduct?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — It is a criminal offence and may result in a fine on summary conviction

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

**A is correct.** Section 38 of the Dentists Act 1984 makes it a criminal offence for a person who is not registered with the GDC to practise dentistry, or to hold themselves out as prepared to do so. A conviction is dealt with summarily and may result in a fine. The decisive fact is that removal from the register means the practitioner is no longer legally entitled to practise dentistry. B and C wrongly portray illegal practice as merely an administrative or regulatory issue. D is incorrect because a later application for restoration does not authorise practice during the period of non-registration. E is also incorrect: working under a registered dentist does not permit an unregistered person to practise dentistry. The GDC may investigate and prosecute illegal practice.

Reference: General Dental Council. What the law says—Criminal offences (current). https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/working-within-the-law/what-is-the-legal-position