Dentists are subject to the oldest regulation in the UK and while they have been promised long-awaited reforms, these unfortunately have yet to be announced by the government.
The DDU has long advocated for regulatory reform on behalf of our members, and as such made this a key part of our Agenda for Change policy paper. Moving forwards, the DDU will continue to put pressure on the government and campaign on this issue on behalf of our members so that dental professionals can work within a timely, fair, and consistent regulatory framework.
Responding to the announcement, John Makin, head of the DDU, commented:
"It is disappointing that regulatory reform of the dental sector was not included in the government's intentions to reform other parts of the healthcare system.
"We welcome the news that regulatory reform is on the government's agenda, but it appears that dental reform is again at the back of the queue.
"The GDC has some of the oldest governing legislation of any UK-wide healthcare professional regulators. Dental professionals have long been promised change but are still waiting for action from the government.
"With the promise to reform healthcare professional regulation on the table, the DDU will continue campaigning for the government to address long overdue reforms for dental professionals."
This page was correct at publication on 16/05/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.