Consultations and responses

Preliminary meeting guidance: consultation outcome report

We’ve published the outcome report to our discussion document on shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals.

Thank you to all who provided us their views and insights.

We’ll continue to engage all relevant parties before any changes are made to the CDP scheme.

Changes to the timescales for the Rule 4 process: Consultation outcome report

Principles of Specialist listings: Consultation outcome report

In May 2019, the General Dental Council (GDC) published a consultation on its proposed strategy for 2020-2022. The strategy described the organisation’s vision, values and strategic aims, and provided high-level information on the expenditure plans to support the achievement of those aims over the period.

Consulting on the new strategy marks a change in approach for the GDC. This new approach is set out in the GDC’s fee setting policy, which was consulted on in 2018, and came into effect from January 2019. It explains that we will consult every three years on the high-level objectives and associated expenditure plans that will underpin the annual retention fee (ARF).

The draft strategy set out five strategic aims, which were developed to describe the GDC’s priorities within its statutory remit. In order to deliver the necessary outcomes, the strategy also identified objectives designed to support the achievement of those aims.

The consultation, which opened on 8 May 2019 and closed on 30 July 2019, invited views on the objectives we had identified to support the achievement of the strategic aims, as well as the expenditure plans associated with them.

GDC corporate strategy 2020–2022: Consultation outcome report

Our response to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation entitled Water fluoridisation: seeking views on future consultation process.

Consultation details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The consultation closed on 3 June 2022. 

Our response to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation on changes to the General Dental Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s international registration legislation.

Consultation details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The consultation closed on 6 May 2022.

The GDC’s response to the DHSC consultation on whether to mandate vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza as a condition of deployment to Care Quality Commission registered health and care settings in England.

The consultation closed on 22 October 2021.

Read the GDC's full response to government proposals to reform the legislation under which we operate.

We very much support the ambition set out to remove outdated and overly prescriptive legislation, and to put in its place a modernised and flexible framework that can respond to change and innovation while enhancing accountability, transparency and public protection. But we think the proposals need to go further, and faster, as our Chair of Council, William Moyes, has set out.

The GDC’s response to the NHS Digital consultation on changes to data on written complaints in the NHS.

The consultation closed on 26 March 2021. 

The GDC’s response to the Professional Standards Authority consultation on the approach to the performance review process.

The consultation closed on 4 March 2021

The GDC’s response to the Welsh Government consultation on the Welsh Language Standards (Healthcare Regulators) Regulations.

The consultation closed on 2 October 2020.

The GDC’s consultation response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman consultation on the Complaint Standards Framework.

The consultation closed on 18 September 2020. 

The GDC’s response to the Professional Standards Authority consultation on virtual fitness to practise hearings.

The consultation closed on 11 September 2020.

The GDC’s response to the Scottish Government consultation on Near Me video consulting service.

The consultation closed on 8 August 2020. 

Start date

27 January 2021

End date

21 February 2021

Background

A consultation on proposed updates to GDC Guidance on the constitution and conduct of Preliminary Meetings, convened as part of the Fitness to Practise process. Changes to the Guidance will affect those involved in our Fitness to Practise processes, particularly in cases where the investigation has resulted in a referral to a substantive hearing.

Summary

The key changes from the previously issued guidance include:

• greater detail to assist parties in their approach to attending a Preliminary Meeting 
• inclusion of matters relating to consideration of the format of hearings (remote or in person)
• matters relating to evidence, special measures, disclosure of material, and admissibility of hearsay evidence.

We have also proposed adjustments to help ensure Preliminary Meetings and, any directions given, are able to narrow or refine issues ahead of a hearing taking place. The current need to hold all or most hearings activity (including Preliminary Meetings) remotely has also prompted an update of this guidance. The changes should ensure that all parties have clear guidance on the issues that might arise and the types of information that may assist resolution of matters at a Preliminary Meeting.

This consultation is now closed.

Equality Impact Assessment

Start date

11 July 2019

End date

3 October 2019

Background

This discussion document presents ideas for the future development of lifelong learning and builds on previously published proposals included in Shifting the balance. The ideas for discussion draw on our Review of the literature on CPD, January 2019, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, at two workshops, held in April 2019. 

Summary

Can you help shape the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals?

We have opened a conversation about how dental professionals can take increasing ownership of meeting and maintaining high professional standards and quality patient care. This discussion document invites ideas, comments and views on the future development of lifelong learning, or continuing professional development, in dentistry.

The aim is to ensure that lifelong learning in dentistry continues to evolve to meet the expectations of the public, patients and dental professionals, in a way that is proportionate to risk, and flexible on how professionals go about reaching their development goals.

The discussion document is presented in three parts:

• Part 1: A future model for lifelong learning
• Part 2: CPD practices
• Part 3: Informing CPD choices.

This consultation is now closed.

The deadline for responses is 3 October. Please provide your response using the online survey. You do not need to complete the survey all at once, to save and complete at another time, please select the 'finish later' option and follow the instructions.

Download the Shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals consultation document here

Respond​

Start Date

08/05/2019

End Date

30/07/2019

Background

Summary

• To operate a regulatory system which protects patients and is fair to registrants, while being cost-effective and proportionate; which begins with education, supports career-long learning, promotes high standards of care and professional conduct and is developed in the light of emerging evidence and experience.
• To work with the professions and our partners to ensure that patients and the public are able to raise concerns with the agency best placed to resolve them effectively and without unnecessary delay.
• To use evidence, research and evaluation, to develop, deliver and embed a cost-effective and right-touch model for enforcement action.
• To maintain and develop the regulatory framework.
• To continue to develop an outcome-focused, high-performing and sustainable organisation.

Outcome report