Case presentation guide for dental professionals

Make sure you have everything you need to hand

If your hearing is being held remotely, please make sure you:

• Take part in the pre-hearing Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) test call with the Hearings Support Officer to check that you can join without issues and the technology is working correctly.
• Let the Hearings Service staff or the committee chair know immediately if you’re having technical difficulties e.g. loss of video or sound, so the hearing can be paused, and issues resolved.
• Have found a quiet and private place to take part in your hearing so you’re not disturbed, and others can’t hear the proceedings.
• Have the all the documents relating to your case with you for easy reference e.g. the notice of hearing and the hearing bundle.
• Have stationery and spare pens with you e.g. a note pad, pens and highlighters so you can make notes or highlight specific parts in the documents to remind yourself of any issues you want to address.
• Have some water to hand.

If you’re attending your hearing in person, please make sure you:

• bring all the documents relating to your case with you so you can refer to them during the hearing e.g. the notice of hearing and hearing bundle.
• bring any medication you need to take during the day. Raise your voice so everyone in the room can hear you clearly. The microphone on the table in front of you is there to record what you’re saying, not to amplify your voice.

Who will be at the hearing?

The committee hearing your case will be made up of independent panellists (normally three) including up to two dental professionals. The GDC case presenter, legal adviser and support staff from the Hearings Service will also attend.

Presenting your case at the hearing

When presenting your case to the committee you should:

• Speak slowly and clearly so notes can be taken about what you’re saying. Some people take notes to assist them in their role or so they can refer back to what you’ve said and ask questions.
• Pause when you’ve finished your sentence to give the committee and the GDC’s case presenter time to finish making their notes - a good indicator for when to start speaking again is when the chair’s pen stops moving.
• Avoid interrupting the GDC’s case presenter and wait for your turn to speak. If you need to raise something urgently, please do so politely and respectfully. You might want to raise your hand, and then address the chair when the GDC’s case presenter finishes their sentence, explaining the reason for your interruption.
• Listen carefully to questions asked by the committee or the GDC’s case presenter, and do your best to answer them as clearly as possible.
• Try to stay calm and avoid using strong or emotive language. If you think you need a break, please ask and the chair will confirm if this is possible.