What we do

The Dentists Act 1984 provides the legislative framework for our work. It currently gives us powers to:

• grant registration only to those dental professionals who meet our requirements on education and training, health and good character. Only those who are registered with us can practise dentistry in the UK
• set standards for providers of dental education and training in the UK
• set standards of conduct, performance and ethics for the dental team
• investigate complaints against dental professionals and where appropriate take action through our fitness to practise process
• require dental professionals to keep their skills up to date through our continuing professional development requirements.