eGDCRegulatory reform at the GDC
Government proposes legislative change to allow provisional registration of overseas-qualified dentists
Proposals for changes to our legislative framework to allow for the introduction of provisional registration of overseas-qualified dentists were consulted on last year. The formal consultation was presented by the previous government and closed for comments on 19 May 2024. We welcomed the proposals in our consultation response, and keenly await a decision from the Government on whether it intends to take forward the proposed reforms.
The reforms would provide for a new way for overseas-qualified dentists, who could demonstrate that they had the necessary skills and knowledge to work under supervision in the UK, with an opportunity to adapt to UK practice in a supported environment while working towards full registration.
The reforms, if taken forward, would be just the first step towards the introduction of a system for provisional registration. Much more work would need to be done before provisional registration would be available, including the introduction of an assessment. We would also need to work with others in the sector to design and implement a system for supervisors and assessments that would lead to full registration.
The future regulatory framework takes a step forward with the first set of reforms approved by parliament
Legislation to bring anaesthesia associates and physician associates into regulation under the General Medical Council (GMC) has been approved by parliament. The legislation is intended to be the template for future reform of all health and care professional regulators. The proposed framework was part of the Regulating anaesthesia associates and physician associates consultation. We submitted our consultation response in May 2023.
We have been calling for comprehensive reform for some years now to unlock the prescriptive and outdated legislation under which we currently operate. Our legislative framework continues to limit our ability to deliver our statutory functions more effectively and efficiency. We have welcomed the intent to introduce a flexible framework, and the template for reform is taking shape, but more work is needed develop legislation that will work for all health and care professional regulators, including the GDC.
The proposed template does not yet give an indication of the approach policy makers will take on issues specific to dentistry, and more thought is needed on proposed legislation that will assure regulators that professionals continue to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
The timetable for full scale reform remains uncertain, but it is at least several years away. We will continue to press for regulatory reform to accelerate, with the support of our stakeholders.