Malpractice, Maladministration, and Plagiarism Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Dental Nurse Training (DNT) manages malpractice, maladministration and plagiarism. It ensures all learners are treated fairly, and that the integrity of assessments and examinations is maintained in line with NEBDN requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all learners, employers, witnesses, assessors, and staff involved in the delivery and assessment of all DNT courses, including NEBDN-accredited programmes.

3. Definitions

3.1 Malpractice (Learner)

Malpractice refers to any deliberate action or behaviour that gives a learner an unfair advantage or compromises the integrity of assessment or examination.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Plagiarism (submitting work that is not your own)
  • Collusion with others to produce work
  • Falsifying clinical records, witness statements, or evidence
  • Copying or sharing assessment materials
  • Taking unauthorised materials or devices (e.g. mobile phones, smart watches) into an examination
  • Accessing external assistance during examinations
  • Use of AI or digital tools to generate responses without declaration
  • Communicating with others during an examination
  • Attempting to mislead or conceal information during an investigation

Learners must understand that bringing an unauthorised device into an examination environment alone may be considered malpractice, regardless of whether it was used.

3.2 Maladministration

Maladministration refers to any unintentional act, error, or omission that results in non-compliance with required procedures.

Examples include:

  • Failure to follow assessment or internal quality assurance procedures
  • Inaccurate or incomplete record keeping
  • Delays in submitting required documentation
  • Failure to follow NEBDN regulations or guidance
3.3 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a form of malpractice where a learner presents another person’s work, ideas, or content as their own without appropriate acknowledgement.

4. Responsibilities

4.1. Training Center Responsibilities

• Preventative Measures: Implement practices to prevent malpractice, maladministration, and plagiarism.
• Reporting: Report all suspected or actual cases to the Course Director.
• Notification: Notify NEBDN promptly via qa@nebdn.org.
• Awareness: Ensure all staff and learners are familiar with this policy.
• Cooperation: Fully cooperate with any NEBDN investigations.
• Implementation: Apply corrective actions following any investigation.
• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and comply with Data Protection regulations.

4.2. Staff Responsibilities

• Adhere to NEBDN frameworks and internal IQA procedures.
• Ensure the integrity of assessments and administrative practices.
• Report any suspicions or incidents of malpractice or maladministration.

4.3. Learner Responsibilities

All learners are expected to:

  • Submit original work that reflects their own knowledge and understanding
  • Follow all examination rules and guidance issued by DNT and the NEBDN
  • Not bring unauthorised materials or devices into examinations
  • Act honestly and with integrity at all times
  • Report any suspected malpractice or concerns

Failure to meet these expectations may result in investigation and disciplinary action.

5. Investigation Process

5.1 Reporting Concerns

Allegations of malpractice or maladministration may be identified by assessors, staff, employers, or the NEBDN.

5.2 Investigation Timeframes
  • Allegations will be acknowledged within 5 working days
  • An initial review will take place within 10 working days
  • A full investigation will normally be completed within 20 working days, where reasonably practicable
  • Where delays occur, all parties will be informed
5.3 Investigation Procedure

Where an allegation is made, DNT will:

  • Review the initial evidence
  • Inform the learner of the allegation
  • Provide the learner with an opportunity to respond
  • Gather relevant evidence (e.g. learner statements, assessment records, communications)
  • Escalate to the NEBDN where required

Where malpractice relates to an NEBDN examination or assessment:

  • The NEBDN will lead the investigation
  • DNT will gather and submit evidence as requested
  • The final decision rests solely with the NEBDN
5.4 Outcomes

Outcomes of an investigation may include:

  • No further action
  • Requirement to resubmit work
  • Formal warning
  • Deferral of assessment or examination
  • Removal from the course
  • Referral to the NEBDN
  • Disqualification from an examination (NEBDN decision)

The NEBDN may withhold results or certification while an investigation is ongoing.

6. Appeals

If a learner is subject to a malpractice investigation or receives an outcome, they have the right to appeal.

  • Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 working days of the outcome
  • Appeals must include new or additional evidence

Dental Nurse Training will:

  • Acknowledge the appeal within 5 working days
  • Review the submitted evidence
  • Submit the appeal to the NEBDN where applicable

Where no new or relevant evidence is provided, learners will be advised that an appeal is unlikely to be successful. In such cases, DNT may decline to submit the appeal on the learner’s behalf. The learner will be informed in writing and may choose to appeal directly to the NEBDN.

The decision of the NEBDN following an appeal is final.

7. Confidentiality

All investigations will be handled confidentially. Information will only be shared with those directly involved, including the NEBDN where applicable.

8. Record Keeping & Review

All malpractice and maladministration cases will be:

  • Fully documented
  • Stored securely
  • Retained for a minimum of 3–5 years
  • Made available for audit if required

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with NEBDN and regulatory requirements.