Q. Following a party a few weeks ago I was stopped by the police and breathalysed. The test was positive and I was charged with a drink driving offence. I have now been to Court and banned from driving for one year. My conviction has been reported to the General Dental Council who have told me my fitness to practise is in question. Please can you tell me what is now likely to happen?

The General Dental Council (GDC) is automatically notified if any registrant is convicted of a criminal offence. In the first instance your case will be considered by an Investigating Committee. It is likely that you will have been given the date by which the GDC would like your observations in response to the allegation that your fitness to practise may be impaired. You will probably also have been asked to provide a copy of your certificate of indemnity and also to provide details of any employers with whom you hold a contract.

As a member of Dental Protection you will be given full assistance with your response to the GDC. Your case will be allocated to one of our dento-legal advisers who will then arrange a meeting with you. In addition to the adviser we will have one of our lawyers present so that a letter can be drafted to the Council by the date specified. In order that your case can be shown in most favourable light you will be asked to bring the following items to the meeting:

• An up-to-date CV
• Records of your last two years CPD
• Employers with whom you hold a contract
• Copy of your indemnity certificate
• References or testimonials from colleagues or patients.

You will then be sent a copy of the draft response for your comments and observations which will be reviewed before the final letter is sent to the GDC. There are several options open to the Investigating Committee. In these situations it can advise:

• no further action
• a letter of advice
• a warning letter
• a warning letter which is published on the GDC's website, or
• it could refer you to one of the practice Committee's of which there are three, Conduct, Health and Performance.

Whilst there can be no guarantee, it would be hoped that if the offence was an isolated incident and you have since shown insight into the fact that you may have brought the profession into disrepute, that the Investigating Committee would see fit to issue you with a warning letter.