A GDC investigation is probably one of the most difficult and stressful experiences a dental professional can go through in the course of their working lives. And just like any other trying time, having someone to talk to - and crucially, who understands what you're going through - can make all the difference to how you deal with it.

The DDU thrives on being a 'dental professionals for dental professionals' organisation, and because we're led and staffed by dentists with real-life experience of the pressures of daily practice, we know how important it is to be able to speak to a colleague who can relate to your experiences.

Because of this, DDU members involved in stressful GDC investigations are being offered access to our new peer support network. As part of the wider package of support and advice available from our dento-legal advisers, claims handlers and in-house legal team, the network also connects members with a fellow dental professional who has been through a similar situation.

The network was originally launched in 2020 by the DDU's parent company, the Medical Defence Union, to help medical professionals undergoing General Medical Council investigations. On its inception, the MDU's Dr Caroline Fryar explained the process in an article in our sister publication, the MDU journal.

"It puts members who are struggling in the face of their involvement in a complex medico-legal matter in touch with another member who has been through a similar process, supported by the MDU, and therefore has first-hand experience on which they could draw to provide personal support, guidance, reassurance and hope.

"When we have a member who is finding the process they are facing very stressful, we ask the member if they would like to speak to another doctor over the telephone who has been through a similar process and 'survived it'.

"The purpose of the contact is not to discuss the specifics of the case, but to offer the member an opportunity to ask questions and obtain the advice of someone who has 'been in their shoes' and can share tips on how to best cope with the process ahead of them."

The network has now been expanded to include DDU members. Dr Tom Norfolk is vice-chairman of the DDU's board of management, and a clinically active general dental practitioner himself. "The peer support network is an important part of the wellbeing services we offer to members," he says.

"Our dedicated team of dento-legal and medico-legal advisers took more than 21,000 calls on our advice lines in 2022, and at a time of such pressure, members' interests are at the heart of everything we do. Undergoing a GDC investigation is one of the most stressful experiences a dental professional can face, and talking to a colleague who has been through a similar experience can really help."

MDU chief executive Dr Matthew Lee agrees. "We are delighted to be able to extend the peer support network to our dental professional members. The network connects members who are struggling with a GDC investigation with a colleague who has been through a similar process. These colleagues offer personal support, guidance and reassurance.

"Members have told us time and again that dealing with incidents can impact both their professional and personal lives. Having a conversation with a colleague who has been through something similar and come out of the other side can be a huge comfort."