In a new column, Peter Ingle translates what the GDC executive director of strategy really meant when introducing the regulator’s new Framework for Professionalism
The GDC cannot be accused of rushing their updated ‘silver book.’ Back in 2023 and 2024 GDPUK reported on their plans to update Standards for the Dental Team, a copy of which will be found somewhere in almost every UK dental practice. Those new Standards, or Framework for Professionalism that they will become, are now about to go out to consultation. This matters to every registrant, because these set out the behaviours expected in their daily practice, and will be used as benchmarks within the Fitness to Practice (FtP) process.
There had been criticisms that the existing document which dates from 2013 was too prescriptive, and its unashamedly rules based style has been out of favour for some time.
Back in 2023 it seemed that the GDC was moving towards the idea of a more layered replacement that included supportive content, such as reference material, and what many would consider guidance. There would be an ability to make rolling updates to the new document. Against that the GDC stuck to the line that the actual standards expected of dental professionals would not be changing, and that it was more of a presentation issue.
It also seemed likely that there would be parts of the package that will be living documents and subject to periodic change, which will require registrants to keep up with such shifts. It is hard to see how else the ambitions of the new guidance and supportive materials would be met.
In 2023 when the GDC held a series of webinars to discuss these plans, the panel of experts selected by the Council was decidedly GDP light.
GDPs may be reassured by the GDC’s announcement of the consultation, which asserts that: ‘The proposals are not about changing the expectations on dental professionals to ensure patient safety and public confidence in the professions. The aim is to make it easier to apply professional judgement confidently in practice, in patients’ best interests.’
In the GDC’s consultation announcement, Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director of Strategy, is quoted at some length. Inspired by Mr Czerniawski’s propensity for extoling the virtues of trust and transparency, I have has taken the liberty of providing my take on a ‘what they said and what they meant’ on this former senior civil servant’s comments, below.
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘We want to regulate in a way that promotes learning over fear and protects patient safety by focusing on what makes things go right.’
PI interpretation: ‘We have had a lot of stick for scaring the profession to the point where they are so risk averse that patients are suffering and productivity has plummeted, so we had better be seen to do something about it.’
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘This consultation marks a big step towards making regulation work better for dental professionals and their patients, with a new approach which is simpler, clearer and more accessible. In place of detailed rules, there are four clear principles, which are supported by expectations and guidance designed to help professionals to apply their judgement with confidence.’
PI interpretation: ‘Dentistry is all about risk management. And we can lead by example here, since these consultations are our risk management. There are two major benefits, we can say that we consulted widely if it all goes horribly wrong, and the small number of pesky dentists who maintain an irrational dislike of us, can’t say that they were not asked.’
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘The proposals are important and we look forward to hearing responses to the consultation from everybody with an interest in dental regulation.’
PI interpretation: ‘This is a win-win. The stakeholders we get on with love this kind of thing, and most of the troublemakers will be so busy trying to hit UDA targets or rushing off to another injection moulding course, that they won’t bother getting involved.’
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘The Framework has been developed through research, testing and engagement with dental professionals, patients, professional associations, educators and indemnifiers.’
PI interpretation: ‘The list of names here will impress almost everyone.’
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘Legal and operational testing has also been carried out to confirm it would align with existing Fitness to Practise processes.’
PI interpretation: ‘Existing Fitness to Practise processes. Well that covers a multitude of sins.’
Stefan Czerniawski: ‘If approved, we will work with stakeholders to develop supporting material to help dental professionals understand the new framework and apply it in day-to-day practice. Responses to the consultation will play a central role in shaping the final model.’
PI interpretation: ‘This should keep dental professionals that teach, run courses, influence and are involved in providing CPD onside. Which seems to be almost all of them now/’
Stefan Czerniawski: We will host engagement sessions for dental professionals and stakeholder organisations throughout the consultation period.
PI interpretation: ‘By invitation. Should provide some great photos for the annual report.’
So much for the knockabout stuff. Now the serious bit:
Registrants have until 31 August to respond to the consultation and can do so at Consultations and responses There is no denying that fitting this into a busy working week may seem like an indulgence to busy GDPs, and their teams. Most dental professionals are essentially practical people, and consultations and concepts of professionalism may seem very distant from their day to day work, and frankly rather dull. But registrants might want to check for themselves that the changes are not such a big deal. For the GDC they represent one part of the organisation’s workflow, and a component in the corporate plan. For registrants they may represent their livelihood.
Editor's note: The standfirst originally mentioned that the standards were announced by the GDC chief executive - this is incorrect, it was announced by the GDC executive director of strategy