What is the General Dental Council?
You may be surprised to know that the General Dental Council (GDC) is almost 50 years old. Since 1956, the GDC has operated as the registered professional body for dental professionals in the UK. As such, its role is to make sure that members meet the education, training, conduct and performance standards to safely practise dentistry.
Registration
If you want to practise dentistry in the UK, you must be registered with the General Dental Council. This includes dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists, clinical dental technicians, and dental nurses. Thankfully, the GDC has made the registration process fairly easy to understand. Essentially, you’ll be expected to meet a set of requirements relevant to your role. This will include checking that you are who you say you are, that you have the appropriate qualifications, your criminal records have been checked, and that your registration fee has been paid.
Once registered, and to make sure that you’re continually fit to practise, you’ll be expected to maintain your registration be completing continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
Focus on Standards: The 9 Principles
As dentistry recruitment specialists, we understand how important it is to provide a high standard of patient care.
To help make this possible, the GDC sets standards of conduct, performance, and ethics for dental professionals. These are known as “The 9 Principles”.
Complaints and Disciplinary Action
It's important to have a safe space where you and your patients can voice any concerns. Fortunately, this is rare. But in the event that a complaint is made about a dental professional, the GDC can work to resolve this.
Education and Training
Education and training standards for dental professionals in the UK are set by the GDC. These cover qualifications and training as well as the quality of training providers themselves.
As we know, Continued Professional Development is important in all healthcare roles. To keep up to date with the latest developments, the General Dental Council has a system to help. Activities include going to courses and conferences, reading, and reflecting on your practice.
To recap...
The General Dental Council plays an important role in keeping patients safe. By setting standards for education, conduct, and performance, they make sure that patients continue to receive the best possible care.
Find out more about our support for dentistry professionals, or browse the latest dentistry roles.
