GDC calls for significant efforts to reform professional dental regulation

The General Dental Council (GDC) has urged the new Conservative government to take immediate action to improve the effectiveness of professional regulation in dentistry.

Welcoming the reappointment of Jeremy Hunt as health secretary, the regulator said a new legislative blueprint is needed to increase the number of cases that can be dealt with via local resolution, instead of through overburdened fitness to practise processes.

It encouraged Mr Hunt and his team to engage with patient groups, dental faculties, trade unions and other representative bodies to devise a mutually beneficial solution that will handle cases more effectively and ultimately drive down the number of complaints.

GDC chair William Moyes and chief executive Evlynne Gilvarry said: "We have reached a crucial point in the debate on the future of professional regulation and action is now required."

The British Dental Association has also called on the government to reform dental sector regulation, but pointed the finger at the GDC as being part of the problem due to its inefficient processes and opaque decision-making.