Ethics and Ethical Standards for Dentists and Dental Professionals

About this course

Dentistry raises ethical questions that are distinctive to the profession: how to balance clinical need with patients' aesthetic wishes, how to present NHS and private options fairly, how to obtain valid consent for irreversible treatment, how to manage fees transparently, and how to respond honestly when treatment does not go to plan. This course explains the ethical principles that guide dental professionals and how the General Dental Council's standards apply them in practice.

The GDC's Standards for the dental team, built on nine principles, remain in force. In June 2026 the GDC consulted on replacing them with a shorter Framework for Professionalism based on four principles, supported by guidance and practical resources. Until any new framework is adopted and takes effect, the current Standards apply. This course is based on the current Standards and notes the proposed direction of travel.

CPD Value and How to Record It:

This course is designed to provide approximately 2 hours of learning, including reading, the reflection points, the reflective account and the assessment. In the UK, CPD is generally recorded as the time actually spent learning, so you should record the time you genuinely spend, which may be more or less than the estimate.

How the course fits your revalidation or CPD requirements depends on your regulator. For example, the NMC asks nurses, midwives and nursing associates to record 35 hours of CPD over three years, of which at least 20 must be participatory; self-directed online learning such as this course usually counts as individual learning unless you complete it with others. The GMC expects doctors to reflect on CPD for appraisal and revalidation rather than setting a fixed number of hours. The HCPC, GDC, GPhC, GOC, GOsC and GCC each set their own CPD requirements, so check the current rules that apply to you. Always keep your certificate together with your written reflection.

What you will learn

• Explain healthcare ethics and why it matters in dentistry.
• Apply autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and confidentiality to dental care.
• Navigate the ethics of cosmetic and elective treatment.
• Act with honesty, apply the duty of candour and keep accurate records.
• Present treatment options and fees transparently, including NHS and private options.
• Obtain valid consent, including from children and adults who may lack capacity.
• Maintain professional boundaries and advertise ethically.
• Respond to breaches with reflection and remediation.

Who this course is for

Dentists and dental care professionals registered with the General Dental Council, including those responding to a concern.

Course content

9 sections · 2 CPD hours · 15 MCQs

Course facts

CPD value

Approximately 2 CPD hours (estimated learning time, including reflection and assessment); suitable for GDC enhanced CPD, linked to development outcomes A and D

Format

Self-paced reading with dental case illustrations, reflection points and a written reflective account

Standards covered

GDC Standards for the dental team and guidance, including on being open and honest; GDC's 2026 consultation on a new Framework for Professionalism; law on consent, capacity and cosmetic treatments; CQC Regulation 20 in England

Assessment

15 scenario-based multiple-choice questions; pass mark 12 out of 15 (80%)

Questions about this course