We are the organisation which regulates dental professionals in the United Kingdom. All dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists must be registered with us to work in the UK.
Our purpose is to protect the public by regulating the dental team. We do that by:
- Registering qualified professionals
- Setting standards of dental practice and conduct
- Assuring the quality of dental education
- Ensuring professionals keep up-to-date
- Helping patients with complaints about a dentist or dental care professional
- Working to strengthen patient protection
The Council
The Council of the GDC was restructured in 2009. It is now made up of 24 members - 12 appointed registrants and 12 appointed lay members.
It is their job to ensure the GDC carries out its core functions efficiently and in ways that ensure the safety of patients. It is responsible for:
- Setting the strategy and direction of the GDC and ensuring that all major decisions are in line with the strategy
- Taking major policy decisions
- Ensuring and monitoring financial integrity
The Council is supported by around 150 staff, headed up by the Interim Chief Executive and Registrar, Alison White and the Executive Management Team.