Dentists should not let targets, financial considerations or loyalty to a colleague compromise patient safety, the GDC has warned in new guidance for dentists with management responsibility.

The guidance, aimed at practice owners, managers and directors of dental corporates, says: 'Put patients' interests before your own or those of any colleague, organisation or business.'

'Make sure that you do not put the interests of patients at risk by allowing financial or other targets to have a negative influence on the quality of care provided by the people you direct or manage,' it adds.

Staff should be able to raise any concerns about colleagues early on, it says.