Clarification on Scope of Practice Welcomed by Indemnifier
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- Published: Thursday, 25 September 2025 10:19
- Written by Peter Ingle
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With its latest publication, the GDC has revisited its core role – that of regulating the dental professions and protecting the public
The revised Scope of Practice is now available, and follows a review in which the GDC worked with education providers, indemnifiers and other stakeholders. The GDC point out that the revised guidance which will take effect from November 1st 2025, has not changed the scope of practice for any of the seven dental professional titles. The purpose is to provide greater clarity on the existing title boundaries.
It is the GDC’s view that this new version will better support dental professionals to use their professional judgement, within these boundaries, for the benefit of patients.
The GDC are not alone in seeing the new Scope document as a positive step. Indemnifier, Dental Protection has welcomed the new publication. Dr Yvonne Shaw, Underwriting Policy Lead at Dental Protection, said: “The initial scope of practice guidance was introduced in 2009 – a revision was long overdue and necessary due to continuous changes in treatment modalities and delivery of care.
We acknowledge the challenge of producing guidance that is both clear for the profession and flexible enough to adapt to future developments in dentistry.”
She did however express concerns that this was not the end of the project, adding: “As this guidance is implemented, it will be important for the GDC to actively listen to feedback from the profession and to provide further clarification and support where needed.” Dr Shaw welcomed the GDC’s focus on training and competence and its consideration of how that competency can be developed and maintained.
In its announcement the GDC added a cautionary note, reminding registrants that having a professional title does not automatically mean they can, or should, do everything within that title’s scope. They must be trained, competent and covered by indemnity or insurance before carrying out any task that fell within their professional title’s scope.
This was echoed by Dr Shaw who reminded colleagues of the importance of having the right indemnity in place, in line with their scope of practice.
To support the implementation of the new guidance, the GDC will deliver online sessions for dental professionals and stakeholders over the coming months, to explain changes to the guidance and address any questions.
The Scope of Practice guidance was first introduced in 2009 to outline the skills and abilities every dental professional should have upon registration with the GDC, as well as those they might develop later in their careers.
Apart from the changes in teaching, techniques and expectations in the last 16 years, the move towards greater use of DCP’s in delivering care makes clear and up to date, guidance crucial. The Government’s plans to improve access will stand or fall on their ability to get the whole dental team working at the top of their scope.
This follows decades during which many therapists spent most of their careers working as hygienists, and some GDP’s were progressively deskilled. Although clarity about each group’s scope remains essential, context about when it is safe and appropriate to work to that scope will become ever more important.
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