The Dental Defence Union (DDU) is both ‘disappointed’ and ‘frustrated’ after plans to reform healthcare regulators, including the GDC, are delayed.
The government announced that plans to reshape the General Medical Council (GMC) will not take place until 2024/25.
In turn, the DDU says this means reform to the General Dental Council (GDC) will also be delayed.
The Medical Defence Union (MDU) – the DDU’s parent company – has now coordinated a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay MP.
Signed by representatives of doctors’ trade unions and also medical royal colleges, it calls on the government to reconsider the timetable for reform.
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Timely and fair
John Makin is head of the DDU. He said: ‘The news that the government has shelved long awaited reforms of the healthcare regulators until 2024/25 at the earliest is disappointing, frustrating and surprising. Dental professionals across the UK have waited a long time to see their regulator reformed. It is a promise that must be honoured.
‘A fitness to practise process is one of the most stressful experiences a dental professional can undergo in their career. Current legislation is crying out for change.
‘Colleagues deserve a fitness to practise process that is modern, proportionate, timely and, above all, fair. Currently, the GDC is operating under outdated legislation that disadvantages the profession, patients and also the GDC itself.
‘We all stand ready to work with the Department of Health and Social Care over the coming months to ensure the legislation can be published by the end of the year.
‘It is time to move forward and deliver an up-to date regulatory system. Regulation needs to deliver for dental professionals, so they can deliver for patients.’
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