CHRE commends GDC changes

The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) has praised the efforts of the General Dental Council (GDC) in improving its performance.

In its role as a regulator for UK dental professionals, the GDC registers qualified individuals and sets standards of dental practice and conduct for its members.

Publishing a review of action taken by the organisation during 2011, the CHRE highlighted areas where enhancements have taken place, including in the fast-tracking of high-risk cases in triage and seeking expert clinical advice at an earlier stage of cases to assess seriousness more effectively.

GDC chief executive Evlynne Gilvarry commented: "We agree with the CHRE on the further measures necessary to increase the rate of progression of fitness to practise cases and to bring about further necessary improvements in the handling of cases."

Chair of the GDC Kevin O'Brien added that the improvements cited are down to the hard work of staff, management and the council as a whole over the last year.