GDC’s fitness to practise process praised by PSA

The General Dental Council (GDC) has earned praise from the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for the robust nature of its fitness to practise process.

A PSA audit has concluded that decisions made by the GDC at the initial stages of its fitness to practise process effectively provide protection to the public, while also validating the positive impact of recent changes designed to improve the GDC's performance.

Additionally, the report highlighted a number of key areas for further improvement, including issues pertaining to record-keeping, timeliness and customer service.

GDC chief executive Evlynne Gilvarry said the organisation is "very aware" of the continued need for a better performance on these metrics, with a clear plan of action set to be drawn up in response to the audit.

She added: "We welcome the recognition of the improvements made to the FTP process and we will build on these, with the expectation of seeing much more significant benefits in 2014."

Earlier this week, the GDC announced the successful prosecution of a non-registrant in Lancaster for unlawfully practising dentistry, namely tooth whitening.