Dental Professionals Hearings Service determination — substantive hearing
GDC directs João Miguel Rebola Costa's erasure over false references
The Committee found misconduct and impairment on public-interest grounds, directed erasure and imposed immediate suspension pending the appeal process. Other allegations were dismissed or not proved.
MedicWatch editorial · Published 4 September 2026 · Updated 22 September 2026
Erasure (struck off the register)
Data last checked: 22 September 2026Report a correction
What does “struck off the register” mean?
The regulator directed removal from the register in this decision. The decision explains when the direction takes effect and any appeal provisions. Check the official register for the practitioner's current registration status.
Concerning João Miguel Rebola Costa, dentist (General Dental Council 217702).
Decision date: 4 September 2026 · Hearing started 1 September 2026 and ended 4 September 2026
In plain English
Following a hearing ending on 4 September 2026, the GDC Professional Conduct Committee directed João Miguel Rebola Costa's erasure for misconduct involving two falsified employment references. Other employment-history and NHS-conditions allegations were dismissed or not proved. The Committee found impairment on public-interest grounds, not public-protection grounds. It imposed immediate suspension while erasure awaits the end of the appeal period or disposal of an appeal. It found that a lesser sanction would not maintain public confidence.
Charges
The case concerned falsified employment references and allegations about employment-history disclosure and disclosure of NHS conditions. The dentist admitted providing two false references and that doing so was misleading, dishonest and lacking in integrity. The remaining allegations were disputed.
Findings
The GDC Professional Conduct Committee found the false-reference allegations proved on admission and found serious misconduct. It found no case to answer on the employment-history charge, and the allegations concerning notification of NHS conditions and related breach were not proved. It found current impairment on public-interest grounds, with no evidence supporting impairment on public-protection grounds. It directed erasure and imposed an immediate suspension while the erasure decision was subject to appeal.
Mitigating and aggravating factors
Mitigating factors
The Committee noted previous good character, remorse and apology, some insight and remedial action, and personal circumstances at the relevant time. Private details were redacted from the public determination.
Aggravating factors
The Committee identified premeditated and repeated dishonesty, conduct with a view to personal financial gain, and abuse of trust and professional position.
Source
All facts on this page are drawn from the publicly published Dental Professionals Hearings Service determination linked below. MedicWatch does not editorialise the regulator’s findings.
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