Dr. Hesham,

I would suggest that the next time you need to fill your Continuing Professional Development requirements as part of the General Dental Council's ("GDC") requirements for continuing education for dental professionals, that you take a course in ethical guidance.

Specifically, I bring your attention to the GDC's Standards for Dental Professionals and the Principles of Patient Confidentiality. These guidelines are published by the GDC and are readily available to you.

You have an ethical duty and a legal duty to keep patient information confidential. The Principles of Patient Confidentiality says, in part:

1. Duty of confidentiality

1.1 Patients are entitled to expect that you will keep the information you hold about them confidential.

1.2 Confidentiality is central to the relationship of trust between you and your patient.

1.3 The duty of confidentiality applies to:

- all members of the dental team; and
- all information about the patient which you learn in your professional role.

1.4 You must keep information confidential even after a patient dies.

1.5 If it is necessary to release patient information:

- get the patient's consent to do so wherever possible (read our guidance 'Principles of patient consent' for advice on getting consent)

- make sure you release only the minimum information necessary for the purpose; and

- be prepared to justify your decisions and any action you take.


I am appalled that you would discuss a patient's case in the manner exhibited in your posts above without consent from the patient. There are no exceptions to the GDC rules on patient confidentiality other than having to disclose patient information in order to comply with a court order, or the need to disclose "minimal" patient information for the public interest in order to save someone's life in an extenuating circumstance.