The UK dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC), has appointed two legal firms, Capsticks and Mills & Reeve, to help it carry out its work in investigating concerns about dentists and other dental professionals. The GDC can take action where there are concerns that a dental professional’s ability, behaviour or health may be making them unfit to practise.

GDC Chief Executive and Registrar Duncan Rudkin said:

“We put all the firms competing for some of our work through a challenging process to ensure that we get the best value for the GDC’s money and the quality of legal services we need, in order to deliver an efficient and effective fitness to practise system. We look to Capsticks and Mills & Reeve to play their part in this important public protection work.”

The Head of Capsticks' Regulatory Group, John Witt, commented:

"Consolidating our position as leaders in healthcare regulatory law is a key strategic objective for Capsticks and so we are delighted that the GDC has decided to reappoint us to its panel."

Mills & Reeve partner, and head of the firm's healthcare regulatory team, Fiona Hawker said:

"We are proud to have been selected to work with this prestigious and influential organisation. These are challenging times for all who are engaged in the business of regulating healthcare professionals and we look forward to supporting the GDC, working as part of their team."

Alongside the appointment of new external suppliers our in-house legal team will provide additional support to the Council’s fitness to practise function.

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Notes to editors:

1. The General Dental Council is the organisation which regulates dental professionals in the UK.  All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK.

More information about all areas of the GDC’s work, including its role in dealing with concerns about dental professionals’ conduct, performance and health, is available from this website.

2. The appointments follow a competitive tendering exercise for the provision of legal services in support of the Council’s fitness to practise work.