Fresh push for dental care professionals to come forward

Our Chair Alison Lockyer is encouraging dental care professionals to apply to become one of our new Fitness to Practise panel members. She says:

“If you’re a dental nurse, dental technician, clinical dental technician, dental hygienist, dental therapist or orthodontic therapist, please take a good look at this opportunity. Many of the skills we’re looking for are those which you use in your careers. Decision making, working in a team, respecting confidential information, being trustworthy and communicating clearly - these are just some of the qualities a panel member should have. Regular training will be provided and we’ll let you know well in advance of when we need you to sit. If you’re interested you can find out more online http://www.gdcpanellists.com”

Dental care professionals have until 3 September 2010 to apply for the roles, which are central to the GDC’s work in protecting patients.

Successful candidates for the Fitness to Practise roles will be expected to:
• sit on panels in public hearings
• hear applications for restoration to the registers
• hear appeals against registration decisions

The Fitness to Practise Committee is currently made up of 75 panel members: 38 dentists, 22 lay people and 15 dental care professionals (DCPs). They are paid £353 a day and are reimbursed their expenses. It is a part time role, with members sitting for around 20 days a year and members are allocated to a particular hearing well in advance.