The GDC’s problems with Fitness to Practice (FtP) are well known. With serious shortcomings recognised for some years by registrants, indemnifiers and even its own regulator, the Council has set out to try and improve its image.
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A great website, lovingly curated social media, and aspirational branding, have all become familiar tools in raising awareness of practices and individual dentists. But alongside Dr Mike Foley’s efforts to raise his profile, many look positively dull.
Connoisseurs of evasive answers will have noticed that the government, NHS, and GDC, all like to respond to enquiries about NHS dentistry by counting heads. This conveniently avoids the more relevant question of how much time each registrant devotes to NHS care.
Read more: Exodus Continues: Half of English Dentists Cut NHS Commitment
The GDC has a favourite excuse. Whether it is a question of refusing to accept registration fees in instalments, or allowing international dentists that fail its own practical exams to register as therapists, the GDC blames the legislation.
Read more: The GDC and Legislation: Handcuffs Or Convenient Excuse?
The soaring cost of university education is widely lamented by students and parents alike, however, when it comes to dentistry, there’s evidence that the cost is proving to be a deterrent according to research by the British Dental Journal (BDJ) and reported in The Times on Friday 24th February.
There may be some awkward conversations to come between senior GDC personnel and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on the subject of international registrants.
Read more: New Legislation will simplify registration for International Dentists
GDPUK recently reported on a Freedom of Information request (FOI), from Leeds dentist Dominic O’Hooley, which casts light on more of the GDCs spending habits.
Read more: Awkward Revelations Prised from GDC on Freedom of Information requests.
The Chief Dental Officer for England, Sara Hurley, is leaving her role this spring. Information, from multiple sources, suggests that her departure may be as soon as this April.
A key part of the access crisis has been a severe workforce shortage. It has not just been dentists from the EU that were helping to keep practices open, but dental nurses too.