With party conference season underway, the Dental Defence Union (DDU) is calling on all politicians from all parties to commit to updating the regulatory framework for dentists, making it fairer, more proportionate and reducing the fear of regulation.
Previous answers from the Government suggest there is still no timetable for reform of legislation underpinning the General Dental Council (GDC), potentially leaving dental professionals waiting until 2029 or beyond for change.
Current legislation means GDC processes are too rigid, contributing to overly complex and adversarial fitness to practise (FtP) processes. Dental professionals can face long waiting times with FtP cases taking an average of 156 weeks – 3 full years – to progress from initial receipt to final hearing. The impact on their health and wellbeing is considerable, with many dentists describing FtP investigations as one of the most stressful experiences of their careers.
While the Government committed to modernising the legislation underpinning the General Medical Council (GMC) this year, and indicated that the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) will follow, there remains no confirmed timetable for reform of the GDC.
The DDU’s call comes as the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) continues to highlight concerns about the timeliness of fitness to practise cases at the GDC, with cases older than 156 weeks remaining a particular challenge.
Simon Kidd, Head of DDU, said: “We are increasingly concerned that, despite repeated promises of regulatory reform across healthcare, dentistry continues to be left behind. Given the issues around the current processes, delaying reform until the next Parliament is unacceptable.
“Registrants facing FtP investigations face unacceptable levels of stress and uncertainty. While improvements to the system are welcome, it’s only by overhauling the legislative framework that real, lasting improvements can be made.
“With party conference season underway, we urge politicians from all parties to commit to accelerating GDC reform. Dentists and patients deserve a regulatory system that is efficient, proportionate and fit for modern healthcare.”
