Section 14: Disciplinary proceedings

14. Disciplinary proceedings (1) Where after having carried out a preliminary investigation, the Council is satisfied that a registered person has committed— (a) a breach of the Code of Practice; (b) an act of fraud, dishonesty or negligence; or (c) any other act likely to bring the dental profession into disrepute, the Council may institute disciplinary proceedings against the registered person before the Tribunal. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where, after an investigation under section 13, the Council considers that— (a) there is prima facie evidence of negligence, incompetence, or grave misconduct on behalf of a registered person; and (b) public interest requires that the registered person should instantly cease to practise dentistry, the Council may suspend the registered person from the practice of dentistry until a decision is taken under section 17 (4).