Dental Protection: Further delay to GDC reform frustrating and disappointing
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 21st February 2023
Dental Protection has said the ongoing delay to GDC reform is “frustrating and disappointing” and has called on the Government to commit to a specific timetable for improving dental regulation.
The call follows an update on Friday, which confirmed the priority for regulatory reform – which covers all regulated professions – would be Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates, followed by wider reform of the General Medical Council, then reform of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). There is no legislative timetable beyond this, but DHSC has indicated that they will prioritise delivery of regulatory reform based on criteria including the size of registrant base, the need for reform, and regulators’ readiness to implement the changes.
Even if GDC reform were to follow immediately after reform of the NMC, it seems very unlikely that it would come before the next general election, according to Dental Protection.
Deputy Director at Dental Protection, Yvonne Shaw, said: “Dental Protection has long argued for reform to the legislative framework that underpin the GDC. Vital changes to the 1984 Dentists Act, are seriously overdue. The Act remains outdated, requiring the regulator to conduct some of its operations in ways that are not always in the best interests of patients or professionals.
“The fitness to practise investigation process is an area in particular need of reform. This would enable the regulator to streamline its processes, improve efficiency, and reduce the number of investigations into less serious allegations, requiring the conclusion of investigations in a timely manner.
“The ongoing delay and uncertainty on GDC reform is frustrating and disappointing. We will continue to urge the DHSC to treat GDC reform as a priority. We are also calling on the Government to commit to a specific timetable for dental reforms, as soon as possible.”
