There has been a year on year increase in the number of professional conduct cases heard by the GDC, according to a new paper.

A five year review of cases appearing before the General Dental Council's Professional Conduct Committee (BDJ 2009; 206: 217–223) showed an increase from 23 cases in 2003 to 65 cases in 2007 with the Council handing down 56 erasures and 37 suspensions.

One of the authors, Dr Singh said, 'By condensing, highlighting and publishing some of the relevant data, members of the dental team will become more aware of the serious view taken by the GDC regarding a variety of misdemeanours carried out by registered professionals.'