The General Dental Council (GDC) is the statutory regulator for the whole dental team in the UK, and its nine principles, set out in the document Standards for the Dental Team, represent the core of dental professionalism. These nine GDC standards are integral to maintaining high standards of patient care and ethical practice, and every dental professional must follow them.
These principles are not just a set of guidelines; they are the foundation of ethical and professional practice in UK dentistry.
As a dentist in the UK, I've seen how these principles shape our profession, ensuring that patient care and ethical standards remain at the forefront.
For students, mastering these principles is essential. They are not only key interview topics but also underpin the practice of dentistry. Grasping their importance, implications, and applications will set you apart in interviews and your future dental career.
This guide aims to demystify the 9 GDC standards, their implications, and their significance for future dental students, helping them navigate this important topic effectively to help smash your dentistry interviews and can form some part of your preparation when looking through dentistry interview questions.
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What are the 9 GDC principles? (Standards for the Dental Team)
There are nine GDC principles in total, and the GDC has not renumbered or replaced them: the order below is the same as in the current Standards for the Dental Team. Whether you become a dentist, dental nurse, dental hygienist, dental therapist, orthodontic therapist, dental technician or clinical dental technician, all nine apply to you equally, and every practice must display them where patients can see them. For the medicine equivalent, see how the General Medical Council (GMC) sets its own standards for doctors in Good Medical Practice.
Here are the 9 GDC Principles, these are important for you to know before your dentistry interview.
Principle 1: Put patients' interests first
Principle 2: Communicate effectively with patients
Principle 3: Obtain valid consent
Principle 4: Maintain and protect patients' information
Principle 5: Have a clear and effective complaints procedure
Principle 6: Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests
Principle 7: Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk
Principle 9: Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients' confidence in you and the dental profession
We will now go through each of these GDC Standards for the dental team in more detail.
You can read the full, authoritative wording on the GDC’s official Standards for the Dental Team page. The nine principles apply to every member of the dental team, not just dentists, and underpin GDC fitness-to-practise decisions.
GDC Principle 1: Put patients' interests first
Putting patients' interests first is fundamental in dentistry. This principle ensures that all dental care decisions prioritise the welfare and preferences of the patient above all else. It encompasses providing the best possible care and advice, considering patients' needs and values.
In interviews, demonstrating an understanding of this principle involves discussing scenarios where patient interests conflict with other factors, and how to navigate these situations ethically.
For example, recommending a dental treatment such as composite fillings (rather than dental amalgams) based on patient needs rather than convenience or cost to you as a dentist.
GDC Principle 2: Communicate effectively with patients
Effective communication is crucial in dental practice for ensuring patient understanding and consent.
It involves clear, honest, and open interactions, adapting to the patient's needs and comprehension levels.
For dental interviews, discussing effective communication might include exploring how to explain complex treatments to patients in an understandable way, such as simplifying the explanation of a root canal procedure while ensuring patient comprehension and keeping it jargon-free.
In addition, it may involve both verbal and non-verbal methods of communication such as the use of visual aids, diagrams and gestures. In dentistry, nervous and anxious patients are common.
Being able to communicate with empathy to reassure patients is an important situation to practice before your dental interviews.
These are some of the areas you may be judged upon during MMI roleplays or when showing empathy in communication stations at your dental interview.
Obtaining valid consent is a key ethical requirement. It involves ensuring that patients are fully informed about their treatment options and understand the implications of their choices. This is crucial before all procedures and really before even the dental examination.
In a dental interview context, candidates might be asked to describe how they would ensure informed consent in practice, like discussing the risks and benefits of a procedure with a patient and ensuring they understand before proceeding. Other issues that may be discussed in your interview are medical consent from those who do not have the capacity and children under the age of 18.
Remember the principle of Gillick Competence which also applies to dentistry in the UK.
GDC Principle 4: Maintain and Protect Patients’ Information
Protecting patient information is a critical aspect of dental ethics. This principle involves maintaining confidentiality and handling personal data securely.
In interviews, this could be exemplified by discussing how to handle a situation where a patient's family member requests information about their treatment, emphasising the importance of patient confidentiality.
It also applies during your time at dental school or in a career in dentistry when discussing patients outside of work.
GDC Principle 5: Have a clear and effective complaints procedure
Effective complaint handling is essential for patient trust and professional integrity. It involves addressing concerns promptly and empathetically.
In an interview, one might discuss how to manage a situation where a patient is dissatisfied with their treatment, highlighting the importance of addressing complaints constructively and professionally.
During your interview, you may also have to resolve a dispute in a role-play setting - where you must listen, acknowledge and apologise if needed.
GDC Principle 6: Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests
Collaboration with colleagues in dentistry ensures comprehensive patient care. This can be with other dental colleagues, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental technicians, the reception and admin staff, and specialist colleagues in secondary care.
This principle involves working effectively within a team and respecting the contributions of others.
For interview purposes, candidates could discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances patient outcomes, such as coordinating care with a periodontist for a patient with gum disease.
This may be tested by asking you about teamwork-based example questions, e.g. ‘tell us about a time when you showed good teamwork skills’.
GDC Principle 7: Maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills
Maintaining professional knowledge and skills is vital for effective dental practice. This includes staying updated with the latest research and techniques.
This is done through the GDC's Enhanced CPD scheme. Over each five-year cycle a dentist must complete at least 100 hours of verifiable CPD, while dental therapists, hygienists, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians need 75 hours, and dental nurses and dental technicians need 50 hours. Everyone must also complete at least 10 hours across any two consecutive years (you cannot record two zero years in a row), as of the 2025/26 scheme.
The following CPD topics are highly recommended for dentists:
Medical emergencies: we recommend at least 10 hours in each CPD cycle, and at least two hours of this type of activity every year.
Disinfection and decontamination: we recommend at least five hours in each cycle.
Radiography and radiation protection: if you undertake radiography, we recommend at least five hours in each cycle.
In interviews, candidates might discuss the importance of continuous learning and how they plan to keep their skills and knowledge current, such as attending professional development courses.
Perhaps this could also be tested by asking you how you deal with stress or time management.
GDC Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk
A common exam trap is the question "how many standards underpin GDC principle 8?". Each of the nine principles is supported by a numbered set of detailed standards in the document; principle 8 ("Raise concerns if patients are at risk") is underpinned by three standards. The wider duty to speak up sits alongside the formal process of whistleblowing in the NHS, which is usually reserved for more serious, escalated concerns. In an interview, show you would raise the issue first with the colleague or a senior, then escalate if patients remain at risk.
Raising concerns about patient safety or unethical practices is a professional responsibility.
It involves speaking up when patient care is compromised. Sometimes this can be called whistleblowing - though this is usually reserved for when more serious concerns are raised.
During interviews, candidates could be asked to explain how they would handle a situation where they notice a colleague not following hygiene measures, emphasising the importance of patient safety and ethical responsibility.
GDC Principle 9: Maintain patients' confidence in you and the profession
Maintaining professional behaviour is crucial in dentistry. This includes acting with integrity and upholding the profession's reputation. It is about being professional, courteous and respectful to patients and the wider team.
In a dental interview setting, discussing professional behaviour might involve describing how to handle personal stress without letting it affect patient care, thus maintaining professionalism at all times.
It might also be how one remains professional when faced with a difficult situation or an angry patient.
Practical Applications of GDC Standards in Daily Practice
How the GDC principles link to NHS dentistry and current hot topics
Strong interview answers connect the principles to real NHS issues. Principle 1 (put patients' interests first) is tested whenever the NHS contract creates pressure: under the NHS UDA system, units of dental activity can incentivise certain treatments, so a professional must still recommend what is clinically right for the patient rather than what pays best. The same applies to the 2026 NHS dental contract reform, which aims to improve access and prevention.
Principle 3 (valid consent) often comes up around material risks and alternatives. A classic example is the dental amalgam phase-down, where you must explain the options (amalgam versus composite) so the patient can make an informed choice. Principle 4 (maintain and protect patients' information) maps directly onto confidentiality in healthcare, and consent for under-18s draws on Gillick competence, which applies to dentistry too.
Integrating GDC standards into daily dental practice is crucial for ethical and the best patient care. Creating a patient-centred environment involves making decisions that prioritise patient welfare.
For instance, when presenting treatment options to a patient, it is vital to consider the patient's financial situation and health needs, rather than opting for the most profitable procedure for you as a dentist.
Effective communication is crucial in situations in dentistry explaining complex procedures to ensure patient understanding and consent and for example, using simple terms to describe the implications of a root canal treatment to a patient and consenting them.
Additionally, maintaining patient confidentiality is paramount, especially when handling sensitive patient data in a digitalised practice setting. This could involve implementing robust data security measures to protect patient records.
These examples underscore the importance of embedding GDC principles in everyday dental activities, emphasising professionalism and high-quality care.
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How would you apply the GDC principle of patient interests first in a scenario where a patient is hesitant about a necessary dental procedure due to anxiety?
Applying the GDC's principle of prioritising patient interests, especially in a situation where a patient is anxious about a necessary procedure, requires a delicate balance of empathy, information, and ethical judgment.
I would start by acknowledging the patient's anxiety and creating a safe space to express their concerns. Understanding the root of their hesitation is key. Then, I would provide clear, empathetic explanations about the procedure, its benefits, and risks, ensuring they have all the information to make an informed decision.
If possible, I'd offer alternatives or modifications to the procedure to alleviate their fears. Importantly, I'd reassure them of the safety measures and pain management techniques in place. Throughout this process, maintaining open communication is crucial.
It's about building trust and respecting their autonomy. If they still choose to decline the procedure, I would respect their decision, while advising them on the potential consequences and arranging for a follow-up. This approach not only aligns with the GDC's ethical framework but also fosters a trusting dentist-patient relationship.
Example GDC Standards Dentistry Interview Questions
For students preparing for dental school interviews, knowing the nine GDC principles and how they apply in practice is key. Here are example questions that might come up, reflecting the depth and breadth of this topic:
What are the 9 GDC Principles?
Pick one of the GDC standards and explain what you know about it.
What is the relevance of the GDC principles in dentistry?
What are the GDC standards?
How would you apply the GDC principle of 'Patient Interests First' in a situation where treatment options vary in cost and complexity?
Can you describe a scenario where effective communication in dentistry is crucial for patient understanding?
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What are the 9 GDC principles?
The nine GDC principles in Standards for the Dental Team are: (1) put patients' interests first; (2) communicate effectively with patients; (3) obtain valid consent; (4) maintain and protect patients' information; (5) have a clear and effective complaints procedure; (6) work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests; (7) maintain, develop and work within your professional knowledge and skills; (8) raise concerns if patients are at risk; and (9) make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients' confidence in you and the dental profession.
What are the 9 principles of the GDC standards?
The 9 principles of the GDC standards are the nine numbered duties every dental professional must follow: putting patients first, effective communication, valid consent, protecting patient information, a clear complaints procedure, working with colleagues in patients' best interests, maintaining professional knowledge and skills, raising concerns when patients are at risk, and maintaining confidence in you and the profession. They are set out in the GDC document Standards for the Dental Team.
What are the GDC standards for?
The GDC standards set out the conduct, performance and ethics expected of everyone on the dental team in the UK. They give patients a clear statement of what to expect and give professionals a framework for ethical, safe, high-quality care. Following them is mandatory: failing to meet them can lead to a fitness-to-practise investigation by the General Dental Council, the statutory regulator.
Who do the GDC standards apply to?
The GDC regulates the whole dental team, so the standards apply equally to dentists, dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians. All seven registrant groups must follow the same nine principles. Every practice must also display the principles so that patients can see the standards they are entitled to expect.
How many GDC standards are there?
There are nine GDC principles, which is why people often refer to "the 9 GDC standards". Each principle is then supported by a set of more detailed numbered standards within the document, plus accompanying guidance. So while there are nine headline principles, there are many individual standards beneath them that explain exactly what each principle requires in practice.
What is GDC principle 1?
GDC principle 1 is "Put patients' interests first". It requires you to act in the best interests of patients at all times, listen to them, treat them with dignity, and put their care and safety above your own interests, those of colleagues, or the financial interests of the practice. For example, recommending the right treatment rather than the most profitable one is a direct application of principle 1.
What is GDC principle 3?
GDC principle 3 is "Obtain valid consent". It requires you to give patients the information they need, in a way they can understand, so they can make an informed decision before any examination or treatment. Consent must be given freely by someone with capacity. For under-18s, Gillick competence and parental consent may apply, and consent should be confirmed before treatment, not assumed.
What is GDC principle 5?
GDC principle 5 is "Have a clear and effective complaints procedure". It requires every practice to have a written complaints procedure that is easy for patients to find and use, to deal with complaints promptly and courteously, and to use feedback to improve. In an interview you might explain how you would listen, acknowledge, apologise if appropriate, and resolve a patient's concern professionally.
What is GDC principle 8?
GDC principle 8 is "Raise concerns if patients are at risk". It requires you to speak up when you believe patient safety or care is being compromised, even if that feels difficult. This principle is underpinned by three detailed standards. You should raise concerns promptly, support colleagues who raise them, and escalate appropriately, which links closely to NHS whistleblowing duties.
What is GDC principle 9?
GDC principle 9 is "Make sure your personal behaviour maintains patients' confidence in you and the dental profession". It covers how you behave both inside and outside the workplace, including honesty, integrity, social media use and conduct that could damage public trust. The principle recognises that the reputation of the whole profession depends on each individual acting professionally and lawfully.
What is the difference between the GDC and the GMC?
The General Dental Council (GDC) regulates the dental team, while the General Medical Council (GMC) regulates doctors. Both are independent statutory regulators that set standards, maintain a register and run fitness-to-practise processes. The GDC publishes Standards for the Dental Team with nine principles; the GMC publishes Good Medical Practice. The aims are similar, but the documents and registers are separate.
Have the 9 GDC principles changed or been renumbered?
No. As of 2025/26 the nine principles in Standards for the Dental Team remain in the same order and have not been renumbered, with put patients' interests first as principle 1 and maintaining confidence in the profession as principle 9. The GDC keeps the supporting guidance under review, but the headline nine principles are stable, so you can learn them in order with confidence for your interview.
How are the GDC standards relevant in dental school interviews?
Dental schools want applicants who already think like professionals, so demonstrating that you know the nine GDC principles, and can apply them to scenarios, shows insight into ethics and patient care. You might be asked to name the principles, explain one in detail, or apply them in an MMI role-play, for example handling consent, a complaint, or a colleague who is putting patients at risk.
How many CPD hours do dental professionals need under GDC rules?
Under the GDC's Enhanced CPD scheme, dentists must complete 100 hours of verifiable CPD over each five-year cycle, while dental therapists, hygienists, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians need 75 hours, and dental nurses and dental technicians need 50 hours. Everyone must also do at least 10 hours over any two consecutive years. This sits under principle 7: maintain, develop and work within your knowledge and skills.
Are the GDC principles the same as the GDC core values or pillars?
People searching for "GDC core values" or "GDC pillars" are usually looking for the nine principles in Standards for the Dental Team, which function as the profession's core ethical framework. Unlike medicine's four pillars of ethics (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice), the GDC sets out nine specific principles rather than four pillars, although the underlying ethical thinking overlaps.
Where can I find the official GDC standards document?
The nine principles are published by the General Dental Council in Standards for the Dental Team, available free on the GDC website (gdc-uk.org). The document explains each principle, lists the detailed standards beneath it, and links to supporting guidance on topics such as consent, confidentiality and raising concerns. Reading the real document, rather than only summaries, is excellent preparation for a dentistry interview.
What happens if a dental professional breaches the GDC standards?
Breaching the standards can trigger a GDC fitness-to-practise investigation. If concerns are upheld, a tribunal can issue a warning, impose conditions on practice, suspend the professional, or in the most serious cases erase them from the register so they can no longer work. The standards therefore are not just guidance: they are the benchmark against which a dental professional’s conduct is judged.
How do you use the GDC principles to answer an ethical dentistry interview question?
Name the relevant principle, explain why it matters for patient safety or trust, then apply it to the scenario with a clear course of action. For example, for a consent dilemma you would cite Principle 3 (obtain valid consent), explain that consent must be voluntary and informed, and describe how you would give the patient the information they need. Showing you can reason with the principles beats simply listing them.
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