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The GDC (General Dental Council)
The GDC is the regulatory body for dentistry in the UK. They hold the dental register (dentists must hold valid qualification and pay an annual retention fee to stay on the register). It is illegal to work without GDC registration.
Members of the public can complain about their dentist/treatment to the GDC and the GDC will investigate. The council investigates whether the dentist has been guilty of serious professional misconduct. They have the power to remove a dentist from the register.
The GDC also requires dentists to complete Continuous Professional Development (15 hours verifiable and 35 hours non-verifiable per year) to stay on the register. The CPD system runs in 5 year cycles. A dentist must present their evidence of verifiable CPD at the end of their 5 year cycle.
Members of the public can complain about their dentist/treatment to the GDC and the GDC will investigate. The council investigates whether the dentist has been guilty of serious professional misconduct. They have the power to remove a dentist from the register.
The GDC also requires dentists to complete Continuous Professional Development (15 hours verifiable and 35 hours non-verifiable per year) to stay on the register. The CPD system runs in 5 year cycles. A dentist must present their evidence of verifiable CPD at the end of their 5 year cycle.
Primary Care Trusts
These organisations coordinate all 'primary health care'. They are accountable to the local population and the government.
They assess the health needs of the local population, and coordinate health care by working with GPs, dentists, opticians, mental health services, hospitals, local councils and the voluntary sector.
When a principal, associate or locum moves into new PCT area, he/she must register with that PCT. This will involve filling out an application form, providing references and completing a form, which asks about criminal or disciplinary procedures including a CRB check. The primary care trusts (PCTs) must be satisfied with the candidate's proficiency in English (including EU dentists) before issuing NHS contract numbers to overseas general dental practitioners.
There are currently different regional employment procedures if you want to work in NHS general dental practice in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Defence Unions
These organisations provide indemnity insurance to dentist, which pays for legal costs and damages (in a legal action).
They provide support through their dento-legal advisers. (These are experienced dentists with legal training). If a dentist is worried about a complaint, or treatment that has gone wrong, or is requested to present records to the police etc, he should contact his defence union for advice before taking any action.
When a dentist calls the defence union a dental adviser gives specific advise in order to limit any damage caused or to prevent mistakes being made. Do not be afraid to call your defence union: they prefer dentists to call them at the first sign of trouble. Every dentist will need to call their defence union now and again.
A dentist is obliged to belong to a defence union, there is an annual fee. When you register with a PCT, they will need to see a certificate of insurance from a defence union.
The BDA (British Dental Association)
This body represents dentists' interests by lobbying parliament, defending the profession in the media and provide advice and information to dentist. There is an annual fee. Membership of the BDA is not a legal requirement: you can work as a dentist in the U.K. and not be a member of the BDA. However, the BDA do provide a wealth of resources to their members so it is well worth joining, especially if you are new to the U.K.
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