A view from the Chair: sharing learning from EDI, understanding the working patterns of dental care professionals, and last chance to respond to our Corporate Strategy proposals

One of the initiatives that I have personally championed in the GDC is the collection of data about the working patterns of dental professionals. Working patterns questions were first made available for the dentists' annual renewal in December 2023 and were developed further for the dental care professionals’ and dentists’ annual renewal in 2024. Around two thirds of dental professionals have provided information, and I am grateful for the support of stakeholders in encouraging them to do so. 

We work with stakeholders with a role or interest in workforce planning across the UK and we release the data online. The latest data is an inferential analysis of the working patterns of dental care professionals, which provides a rich analysis of how they are working, how many hours and in which setting and sector they are working, and where they are working.  

Although one of our most important roles is to maintain the register of dental professionals in the UK, this brings no influence on where or how they work. I am therefore pleased that this data is able to support the sector in understanding its workforce better and improving access to services. 

This month we are holding a number of webinars with external stakeholders from a wide range of organisations across dentistry to explain our proposals and the thinking behind them. The lively discussions were very welcome. What we have heard in recent years informed development of the proposed corporate strategy and testing proposals through engagement is a good way to make them better. Council will take into account the formal feedback that we receive through the public consultation when they make their decision about the GDC’s priorities and objectives for the years ahead. 

Some of the stakeholder feedback we have heard so far has centred on our vision, which is good oral health for all. We want to play our part, with others, in achieving this. Our mission is that, through trusted and effective regulation, we will support dental professionals to provide the right care for their patients. 

What do you think about our vision and mission? Do you agree that our strategic objectives are the right focus for the GDC, given the context in which we are operating? 

You have until midnight on 21 August to respond to the proposals. Please do provide your views or those of your organisation: Consultation on our next corporate strategy.