Fiona Ellwood, on behalf of the Society of British Dental Nurses, discusses plagiarism and what constitutes plagiarism and plagiarised work.

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It has become increasingly apparent that the parameters of what plagiarism is are being stretched. Some individuals appear not to understand the seriousness of engaging in plagiarism or are unaware of the act of plagiarism until it is too late.

All too often discussions are centred around students within dentistry and students at all levels and all professional groups. Plagiarism is pertinent to students, registrants, and the broader dental arena and is a serious act. In fact, the General Dental Council (GDC) refers to this in the Student professionalism and fitness to practise guidance document, and plagiarism is categorised as an action and behaviour that could '…cause your professionalism to be called into question…' (p 18).1

Interestingly, earlier writer Carroll (p 33)2 provides a perspective that will chime with many, seeing '…detection as the … means for deterring plagiarism', but alludes to this perhaps not being the best way to view it. The context of tutors redesigning courses when we talk of plagiarism and students and 'what … might be design[ed] in to increase…students' chances of avoiding plagiarism, and design[ing] out opportunities for easy plagiarism', is thought-provoking and well worth a read.

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When it comes to continuing professional development and plagiarism, a separate stance cannot be taken. Remember your professional development is your responsibility and part of being a registered dental professional and plagiarism has no place. Dishonest behaviour in this context is also of interest to the GDC. Plagiarism is, however, a complex issue.

Acknowledgement is given to Kaney3 who provides an excellent perspective on plagiarism as former Lead Dento-legal Consultant and Head of Dental Services, Scotland, Dental Protection, relating to registrants rather than students. The article 'Plagiarism and how to avoid being accused'in the Scotland Dental Magazine refers to five dentists who were found to be dishonest and who were subsequently suspended from the dental register.3

When plagiarism is considered in light of an employment contract this may have much wider consequences.

So, what is plagiarism? According to the Oxford dictionary of education,4 plagiarism is 'The act of appropriating someone else's idea or work and passing it off as one's own'. Furthermore, author Wallace identifies plagiarism as a 'formal term applied to the practice of copying another pupil's work and submitting it without acknowledging the source'.4 She then alludes to plagiarism in the context of someone else making substantial contributions to a piece of work and an individual being allowed to pass it off as their own (p 226).4 It is worth noting that if students collude and knowingly copy a piece of work and then both present it as their own, both students are likely to be held accountable.

Many are not aware that they can also fall into a trap of self-plagiarism, which relates to reusing already marked or assessed work, without acknowledging it. It must also be noted that plagiarism may be a result of carelessness or not making clear where the original work starts and ends, and another's work is included. Of course, many may not know that advocating ways or promoting ways of breaching or facilitating academic misconduct is also serious.

Another interesting aspect to consider is the fast-moving world of technology and the ease of accessibility to pre-existing work, the temptation to do well, the challenges of balancing studying and working, and of course the new world of artificial intelligence (AI). Cotton et al. in an academic paper titled 'Chatting and cheating', explore in part, what is determined as the challenges of '…academic honesty and plagiarism' (p 1) and strategies to manage it.5 This brings us to the mechanisms in place to detect plagiarism and indeed work produced by AI, noting that this also includes those services that provide essays and assignments in exchange for fees and students passing them off as their own (custom essay writing).

Detecting academic misconduct and plagiarism has been in place for some time, such as Turnitin detection software, Grammarly, and AI content checkers. Equally, many of the first markers of submitted work are deemed to be subject experts and will recognise familiar work and content and can quickly make the connections.

Many are not aware that they can also fall into a trap of self-plagiarism, which relates to reusing already marked or assessed work, without acknowledging it.

Academic integrity and academic misconduct are part of any robust academic institution or organisation when it comes to students and especially when we refer to dental professionals, their good standing, honesty, integrity, and professionalism as being integral to being part of the profession. Such organisations will inform students well, on the matter of academic integrity and honesty and ensure they understand what plagiarism is, what constitutes plagiarism, and the seriousness and implications of plagiarising work. It then goes without saying that students must be told of the process if academic misconduct is identified.

Many cases will be dealt with at a local level ie, course level and/or school level, and against a risk and probabilities framework, awarding bodies and quality assurance teams are likely to be involved too. In some cases, as noted previously, plagiarism becomes a matter for the GDC and a fitness to practise case. An overview of the GDC fitness to practise process is shown on page 33 of the following GDC document: https://go.nature.com/47YOpbE. 6

When it comes to potential sanctions at the course or school level this could see students deducted marks for the assessment and students may be denied the opportunity to represent a different piece of work. Equally, considerations may be made about the student's ability and suitability to work in a professional capacity and a place of trust and may not be allowed to complete the course, or take the final examination and of course, in the case of dentistry, apply to the professional register or remain on it. This of course becomes part of a broader process and can be a lengthy process too if there is evidence of an academic offence. The process is likely to be similar to that of the GDC.

Ending on a positive note, it is far better to take the time to ensure you can avoid plagiarism, and if in doubt ask! Newcastle University, for example, provides a helpful list to help you avoid plagiarism; please follow the link and look at the hints and tips, of which there are eight and there are some additional links that you will also find helpful: https://go.nature.com/3r9bQ1p. 7 These include areas such as: how to paraphrase; quote or paraphrase?; how to quote; referencing and managing information and refers to a textbook which is commonly used - Cite them right: The essential referencing guide.8 Other providers have similar offers.

If you think you have grasped the concept of plagiarism, it is perhaps worth taking the simple test available from Cardiff University. Everyone has a part to play in ensuring plagiarism does not take place either deliberately or mistakenly. Follow the link and take the quiz and depending on your results add plagiarism to your personal development plan or academic writing: https://go.nature.com/3LhpVAJ. 9 With gratitude to Cardiff University.