Sir, in these sombre times one significant outcome for the regulation of dentistry has been the rapid development of effective measures and an acceptance of the novel means enabling hearings to continue remotely and efficiently. In response to COVID-19, the Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) stated the courts must not grind to a halt and with a remarkable degree of cooperation, great strides followed decades of stagnation in the administration of justice.1

In the absence of any framework, consideration of the following steps may assist those participating in remote GDC proceedings:

  1. 1.

    Appropriateness. Can the matter be decided in a way other than remotely, live or resolved on the papers alone and can witness support and protection still be assured?

  2. 2.

    Application. A formal request may be needed with skeleton arguments providing references to case and law relevant to deciding the matter

  3. 3.

    Apparatus. A secure audio-visual link requires prior testing, often across vast distance and different time zones

  4. 4.

    Access. A Scott Schedule of enumerated documents needs to be agreed, accessible and available to all in advance

  5. 5.

    Affirmation. When giving live evidence remotely an oath is taken.

With respect to the last step, while the 2020 Coronavirus Act expands the realm and reach of the justice system into the comfort of one's own surroundings, the foundation upon which this latest legislation is built rests upon established law. Not least is the 1911 Perjury Act. Finding that a failure to be truthful was deliberate could result in a custodial sentence. We hope these five steps benefit those preparing for and participating in GDC remote hearings. The numbers of those now taking place with greater ease and efficiency may soon begin to rise again.