General Dental Council

The General Dental Council (GDC) is a United Kingdom organisation which regulates all dental professionals in the country. Established in 1956, and currently under the Dentists Act 1984, it keeps an up-to-date register of all qualified dentists and other dental care professionals such as: dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians. In doing so it protects the general public from unqualified dental professionals.

The General Dental Council’s mission statement is:


 * To protect patients
 * To promote confidence in dental professionals
 * To be at the forefront of health care regulation

The GDC has many roles, in ensuring that all dental professionals maintain up to date knowledge, controlling the quality of dental education in the country, ensuring a proper quality of care is given to the patients, and helping any patient who has questions or complaints. It acts as a bridge of communication between the government, public and the dental professionals.

Council
The council has 29 members, 10 of which are members of public appointed by the National Health Service (NHS) Appointments Commission. The other members consist of 15 dentists and 4 dental care professionals who are elected by dental professionals. In addition to this, there are 4 associate members who are: the Chief Dental Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Chief Executive and Registrar: Duncan Rudkin

Current Council Members

 * Current president