2026, issue 32

When will dental professionals get a fair hearing?

John Makin DDU dento-legal adviser
ByJohn Makin
Published27 February 2026
Tackling punitive delays must be a priority if the GDC is going to end the climate of fear surrounding fitness to practise.

The GDC accepted that lengthy FtP investigations can negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of those involved.

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This page was correct at publication on 27/02/2026. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

John Makin
Head of the DDU

John Makin BDS PgDL PgCDE FHEA is head of the DDU. He qualified in Manchester in 1983 and has worked as a general dental practitioner in Lancashire and Devon before joining the DDU as a dento-legal adviser. He was involved with foundation training for many years as both a trainer and VT adviser/training programme director with the Manchester and Exeter DFT schemes.

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