Latest updates from the GDC
View from the Chair: Joining the GDC, priority ORE bookings for refugees, and new guidance on requests for new dental schools
This month, Lord Toby Harris highlights the recruitment campaigns underway for a new Chair, two lay Council Members and two senior legal and governance professionals to join the GDC. The Chair also explains recent changes made to the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) booking process for refugees and why we have issued new guidance for setting up a new dental school in the UK.
Guidance on setting up a new UK dental school
New guidance for providers seeking to set up a new dental school in the UK is now available. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, the guidance explains the timescales and requirements for providers applying for Dental Authority Status, as a prerequisite for setting up a new dental school.
Consultation on revisions to the Standards for Education closes 6 February
Our consultation on the Standards for Education closes at midnight on Thursday 6 February 2025. The proposals include simplifying and clarifying requirements, as well as:
- setting specific requirements relating to admissions and recruitment
- requesting evidence on how behaviours can be monitored
- ensuring pastoral care and wellbeing support is available.
The Standards for Education set the requirements expected of all education programmes that lead to UK registration and provide the framework for our quality assurance processes.
We encourage all those with an interest to respond to the consultation.
We're looking for a new Chair and Council Members
We’re looking for a successor to our current Chair. The successful candidate, who could be either lay or a dental professional, will bring:
- significant non-executive board-level experience
- a proven ability to lead through change
- exceptional stakeholder management skills.
The Chair will lead Council in shaping its strategic vision to provide robust scrutiny of operations to maintain patient safety and public confidence in the dental team. A background in the public or regulatory sector, combined with strategic thinking, strong governance credentials, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion will be essential in this leadership role.
We are also looking to appoint two new lay Council Members. We want to hear from candidates with an interest in dental regulation who share our vision for a system of regulation that supports the provision of safe, effective oral health care.
We welcome applications from candidates who have a diverse range of backgrounds and can bring fresh perspectives to Council. Appointments are for an initial four-year term, to a maximum of eight years. There are no geographic restrictions.
Applications need to be made by Monday 24 February.
Find out more and how to apply from Saxton Bampfylde.
Refugee dentists granted ORE priority access
We are now giving priority access to the ORE booking system for dental professionals with refugee status. Candidates who have provided evidence of their refugee status will have a dedicated two-week priority booking window for up to two attempts at both parts of the ORE, starting from the April 2025 sittings.
Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director, Strategy at the GDC, said:
"We recognise the distinct challenges faced by refugee dental professionals in their paths to registration. By providing priority exam access, we're helping skilled professionals restart their careers and provide much needed dental care in the UK at a time when their expertise continues to be in high demand.
"This new policy demonstrates our commitment to supporting the integration of qualified refugee dental professionals into the workforce while ensuring all overseas-qualified dentists meet the same rigorous standards required to practise in the UK."
Recent news
Statement on GDC v Aga Judgement
Total number of registered UK dentists up 3% following recent renewal
GDC recruits for two senior Legal and Governance roles
Information and support
Guidance on reporting matters to the GDC | now in effect
Complaint handling best practice
Useful organisations, standards and guidelines for the dental team
Useful links