DENTISTS
The General Dental Council ("GDC")
The General Dental Council (“GDC”) is the statutory regulatory body for the dental profession in the United Kingdom. The GDC’s role is to keep and maintain an up-to-date list of qualified dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists, with their main concern being to oversee professional standards within the dental profession, thereby protecting the public by regulation throughout the UK. It is a requirement therefore, that all dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists (whether they work in the NHS or in private practice) must register with the GDC in order to practice dentistry.

Registration
General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street
London W1G 8DQ
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7887 3800
Fax: 020 7487 2643
Minicom: 18001 020 7887 3800 (via Type Talk)
For GDC registration enquiries, email: GDCRegistration@gdc-uk.org
Web Site: www.gdc-uk.org

Summary of the GDC’s function
The GDC is responsible for protecting the public by entering onto the Dentists Register those dentists who are entitled, under the Dentists Act 1984, to be registered. The GDC therefore keeps an up-to-date list of properly qualified dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists. As the regulatory body for the dental profession, the GDC is the body that sets the educational and professional standards for dental practice and its conduct, thereby protecting patients within a dentist’s care. For these reasons, it is necessary that all dentists register with the GDC before they can begin practicing dentistry in the UK.

The GDC Register for Qualified Professionals
The GDC Register consists of two sets of lists, The Dentists’ Register for dentists and The Rolls of Dental Auxiliaries for dental hygienists and dental therapists. Both lists are available for view by everybody. It is important to note that all dentists, hygienists and therapists have to register with the GDC before they can work in the UK. Practising dentistry without GDC Registration is illegal (unless you are a doctor registered with the General Medical Council).

Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (“PCDs”)
In addition to dentists, there are two classes of Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (“PCDs”) who are currently required by law to be registered with the GDC; they are dental hygienists and dental therapists. Registration would therefore be entered on The Rolls of Dental Auxiliaries. Although only dentists are permitted to practise dentistry, registered dental hygienists and dental therapists are permitted to carry out certain practices in dental work. You may view the extent of a PCD’s practicing remit by viewing the GDC website, which will give you full details: www.gdc-uk.org

Dental Specialists
The GDC also maintains a Register of dental specialists. Any registered dentist may work in a particular branch of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery, if they have the necessary competence. But only those on the GDC’s Specialist Lists may give themselves the title “Specialist”. To be included on the GDC’s Specialist List, dentists must demonstrate to the GDC in what way they are qualified to use the title 'Specialist'. This will usually be a relevant qualification or by demonstrating enough experience or training to warrant the title Specialist.

For further information on the Specialist Lists in Distinctive Branches of Dentistry, email: Specialist@gdc-uk.org

Future requirements of the GDC Register for Qualified Professionals in 2004
The GDC are currently working with the UK government to introduce a new register that will cover all dental professionals, to include dental nurses and dental technicians. The GDC expect to introduce this new Register during 2004.

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