We are delivering a modernisation programme to extend our powers and make us a more efficient and effective regulator. This will allow us to strengthen our role in protecting patients and promoting high standards of dentistry. We have been working closely on this with the Government, organisations representing patient interests and professional bodies. Some of the changes we have made have needed new legislation which has been implemented through a series of amendments - Section 60 Orders - to the Dentists Act 1984.  So far Section 60 Orders have allowed us to introduce a range of changes which are outlined below.

In 2007

In February 2007 the Government published the White Paper 'Trust, assurance and safety: the regulation of health professionals in the 21st century' which sets out plans for the future of healthcare regulation in the UK.

The Council subsequently agreed that a new-look, smaller, fully appointed Council should have:

• 24 members as follows:
  • 8 dentists;
  • 4 dental care professionals (dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, dental technicians, orthodontic therapists, clinical dental technicians); and
  • 12 lay people.
• a Chair elected from within the membership of Council (dental professional or lay).

In making these decisions the Council was keen to ensure that the GDC of the future could continue to command the confidence of the profession whilst fulfilling its public protection role. Council members will not be appointed as representatives of any particular group, and should have the skills for the job.

In December the Department of Health published a consultation on a draft Section 60 order which would enable the fully appointed, newly constituted Council. The GDC's response to the consultation is available on this website.

Other future plans also include the introduction of:

• continuing professional development for dental care professionals (which came into force on 1 August 2008); and
• revalidation of the whole dental team.

You can read more about these initiatives using the right hand menu.

In 2006

A Section 60 order approved by the Scottish and UK Parliaments in June-July 2005 has enabled us to:

• register and regulate the entire dental team, including dental nurses and dental technicians, from July 2006. This extends the protection offered to patients and recognises the professionalism and contribution of these members of the team.
• reform our conduct and health procedures, and introduce new procedures to tackle poor performance in dental professionals from July 2006. The new procedures aim to protect the public while offering remedial help to those who need it and seek it.
• set up a complaints scheme about private dental treatment from May 2006.
• remove the current restriction on the numbers of dental bodies corporate from July 2006.

You can read more about these initiatives using the right hand menu.

In 2001

Legislation introduced in 2001 enabled the Council to become smaller with greater lay membership.  It also enabled us to set up an independent Fitness to Practise Committee to hear cases against registrants, and introduce statutory continuing professional development for all dentists.

The Council's Corporate and Business Plans are available on the our work page.