Registering DCPs with the GDC
The General Dental Council (GDC) is the regulatory body whose purpose is to protect the public by regulating dental professionals in the UK, ensuring that they operate to required standards of practice and professional conduct.
One of the key ways in which the GDC carries out its function is to keep a statutory register of all dentists in the UK. The GDC has also kept registers of dental hygienists since 1957, and of dental therapists since 1969.
In July 2006, the GDC commenced registration of the remaining dental care professionals (DCPs), with the exception of the dental practice managers and receptionists. When the new regulations come into force, those DCPs requiring registration will be:
- Dental hygienists
- Dental therapists
- Dental nurses
- Dental technicians
- Clinical dental technicians
- Orthodontic therapists
Dental practice managers and receptionists will not be required to register with the GDC, but the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) recognises the importance of these groups within the dental team, and includes them in its DCP Advisory Board.
The remaining group of registerable DCPs - the maxillofacial prosthetists and technologists, who make artificial parts (prosthetics) for the head, neck and jaw - will not register with the GDC. In common with other prosthetists, they will register with the Health Professions Council.
Registration
Registration for those DCPs joining the register will normally be by gaining an approved qualification, although there will be a two-year transition period where experienced but unqualified DCPs may join the register based on their experience. This will be assessed by the GDC on an individual case-by-case basis.
Full details of the registration requirements can be found on the GDC website at www.gdc-uk.org/Potential+registrant/Regulating+the+dental+team/.
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