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Impaired Colleague — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateEthics & ProfessionalismImpaired ColleagueMFDS Part 1

At the start of a clinical session, a dental nurse notices that an associate dentist smells strongly of alcohol, has slurred speech and is unsteady. The dentist is preparing to administer local anaesthetic to the first patient, and the practice principal is on site. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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Correct answer: D — Ensure that the dentist does not treat patients and promptly raise the concern with the practice principal under the local procedure

The correct answer is D. The strong smell of alcohol, slurred speech and unsteadiness create an immediate and objectively reasonable patient-safety concern, particularly because the dentist is about to provide invasive treatment. GDC Principle 8 requires prompt action, protective measures and raising concerns arising from a colleague's health or behaviour. Where possible, the concern should initially be raised with the employer or manager. A denial does not remove the duty to act, and corroboration is not required before a justified concern is raised. Simply sending the dentist home without reporting the incident prevents proper investigation and follow-up. Direct GDC referral may become necessary if local action is impractical, fails, or the circumstances require regulatory intervention, but it must not delay immediate protection of patients.

Reference: General Dental Council. Standards for the Dental Team, Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk, particularly Standards 8.1 and 8.2. Effective 30 September 2013; current online guidance. https://standards.gdc-uk.org/pages/principle8/principle8