AI-Generated Notes and the GDC: What You Need to Know
DigitalTCO is a note-creation tool, not a replacement for your professional judgment. The General Dental Council (GDC) does not regulate how notes are made, only that they are accurate, contemporaneous, and reflective of the appointment.
Does the GDC Have a View on AI-Created Notes?
The GDC’s concern is not how notes are written but rather what they contain. Dentists are responsible for ensuring their notes:
✅ Are contemporaneous – Recorded as soon as possible after the appointment.
✅ Accurately reflect the consultation – No missing or incorrect details.
✅ Are patient-specific – Not generic stock templates that could misrepresent the care given.
With DigitalTCO, you’re simply choosing a faster, more efficient way to generate notes—just as you might use a pen, a nurse, or a typewriter.
Why DigitalTCO Supports GDC-Approved Note Keeping
📝 AI-Driven, Not AI-Generated
- DigitalTCO does not "invent" notes—it refines and structures what you dictate.
- The system relies on your input, ensuring notes are always based on the actual appointment.
🕒 Contemporaneous by Design
- The platform encourages real-time note-taking, making it easy to comply with the GDC’s best practices.
🎯 More Accurate Than Stock Templates
- Unlike stock templates that insert pre-written, generic text, DigitalTCO updates a baseline template to ensure every note reflects what was actually said in the appointment.
⚖️ GDC Compliance = Content, Not Method
- The GDC doesn’t care whether you type, dictate, or use AI—only that your notes are correct and specific to each patient.
What About GDPR, ICO, and Data Protection?
If you're concerned about compliance, DigitalTCO meets all necessary standards, including:
🔐 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
📜 ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) Compliance
🛡️ Secure Data Handling
For more details on how DigitalTCO ensures data security and compliance, visit:
🔗 https://digitaltco.co.uk/trustcenter
Key Takeaways
- The GDC does not regulate how you write notes—only that they are accurate, contemporaneous, and patient-specific.
- DigitalTCO enhances accuracy and efficiency, ensuring compliance with professional standards.
- You remain responsible for checking notes before saving them, just as you would with handwritten or manually typed notes.
- Security and compliance standards are met through GDPR, ICO, and secure cloud storage. We regularly conduct CREST approved penetration tests, and are CyberSecurity Plus & NHS Data Protection Toolkit Accredited.