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Interim Orders Committee

The Interim Orders Committee (IOC), a statutory committee of the Council, considers whether it is necessary to make an order affecting a dental professional’s registration. This is done either for the protection of the public, in the public interest or in the interest of the individual concerned pending the outcome of an inquiry by one of the Practice Committees. The IOC does not investigate the allegations or conduct a fact-finding exercise. These functions are carried out by the Practice Committees.

The IOC may:

  • impose a suspension (up to 18 months with six monthly reviews)
  • impose conditions (up to 18 months with six monthly reviews), or
  • decide that no order is necessary.

A case may be referred to the IOC at any stage.

In the interests of public accountability, hearings before the IOC are generally open to the public.  They may, however, be heard in private if it is in:

  • the interests of the parties
  • or for the protection of the dental professional’s personal life 
  • or if the Committee considers that publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.

The Guidance for the Interim Orders Committee and Conditions Bank for the Interim Orders Committee came into effect on 18 December 2023.

Interim Order reviews on the papers

All interim orders must be reviewed by the IOC at a hearing. We recognise that attending a hearing can be stressful for dental professionals. To avoid this stress, interim order reviews, which are called “on the papers” can be carried out based on the documents submitted by both parties. This means the dental professional or defence do not need to attend the hearing unless an oral hearing is requested.

Membership of the IOC

Membership of the IOC is drawn from the fitness to practise panellists who are both dental professionals and lay members. If a panellist sits on an inquiry for the IOC, they will not sit on the same inquiry when it is heard at a Practice Committee.

The rules governing the procedures of the IOC are the General Dental Council (Fitness to Practice) Rules Order of Council 2006.

For further information see the Dental Professionals Hearings Service website.