The GDC Standards for the dental team [1] state any advertising, promotional materials or other information that is produced is accurate, and not misleading and complies with the GDC’s Guidance on Advertising [2]
The GDC Guidance on advertising [2] states that all information or publicity material regarding dental services should be legal, decent, honest and truthful. Advertising and other practice publicity that is false, misleading, or has the potential to mislead patients, may lead to fitness to practise investigation and can be a criminal offence.
The guidance covers:
- Advertising services
- Endorsing products
- Websites, including marketing websites
- Use of specialist titles
- Use of honorary degrees and memberships
Follow the GDC Guidance on advertising [2] when producing advertisements, including the patient information leaflet (see Patient Information Leaflet template), other practice publicity, and content for your practice website.
Ensure that where a registrant’s name (including dental care professionals) is given in any advertising or publicity material, the registrant checks the information is correct, as they are responsible for the accuracy of this information.
Be aware that Botulinum toxin injections cannot be advertised to the public on social media even if administered by a registered health care professional. This is because botulinum toxin injections are a prescription only medicine (POM). Further information is available from the Advertising Standards Authority [3]
Sources of information
- Standards for the dental team (2013). General Dental Council
- Guidance on advertising (2013) (PDF). General Dental Council
- Enforcement Update – Ads for Botox on social media (2020). Advertising Standards Authority