A disproportionately high number of GDC concerns were raised against Asian or Asian British dentists in 2021, the GDC report says.
The GDC has today published its 2021 annual statistics, using equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data for the first time.
The data was published with its annual statistical reports for 2021 on fitness to practise and registration.
As a result, the GDC can provide a breakdown of GDC cases by EDI characteristics, such as ethnicity.
The report has shown that of all concerns received 2021, a disproportionately high number were raised against Asian or Asian British dentists (28%). This is compared to their proportion of the total GDC register (24%).
On the other hand, with 43% of all concerns raised, white dentists were underrepresented. This is compared to their proportion of the register (50%).
As well as this, the GDC believes the report shows that concerns were progressed ‘in broadly the same proportions they were received.’
Early stages
John Cullinane is GDC executive director of fitness to practise. He said: ‘This is the first time we have published EDI data in the context of fitness to practise and we’re in the early stages of understanding what it tells us, and how we can use it in our work to ensure there is no discrimination in any of our process.
‘What we do know is that EDI analysis is complex and, as such, the data in our reports should not be used in isolation to draw conclusions as many other factors may be relevant, such as practice location, size of practice or local demographics.
‘We are committed to developing the data we hold and our understanding of it, and we look forward to sharing further insights as our work progresses.’
Dentistry’s top stories
- NHS dentistry at breaking point, BBC study reveals
- ‘I feel your pain’: Rishi Sunak on his seven fillings and plans to reform dentistry
- Dental X-rays ‘likely to be used’ to assess UK asylum seekers
- MPs call for dermal fillers to be prescription only after damning report into body image
- Government announces ‘significant change’ to dental contract
- We’re sugared out – Dentistry launches its sugared out campaign.
Eliminating discrimination
In addition, the GDC believes the use of EDI data will build a more complete picture. This will enable the regulator to better understand the diversity of the professions.
EDI data is now provided by some 92% of professionals. This has seen a significant increase from 66% in 2020.
The data will also be used to understand the impact of regulation on people who share protected characteristic.
As well as this, EDI data will enable the GDC to detect discrimination and work to eliminate it.
However, around a quarter of registrants still do not provide information relating to sexual orientation, the regulator has stated. The GDC believes this undermines its ability to analyse this characteristic and encourages all professionals to submit this data via eGDC.
A transparent step
Nishma Sharma is founder and chair of the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group (DDAG). She has said: ‘The DDAG welcomes the publication of the GDC registration and fitness to practice statistical reports.
‘We applaud the GDC for publishing these reports. It’s a first and transparent step towards promoting equality and diversity particularly within the fitness to practise process.
‘In line with our commitment to progress positive action to address equality and diversity related issues within the dental profession, DDAG understands that action will need to be driven by disaggregated data which identifies equality gaps across our sector.’
She continues: ‘We would ask for clarity on the statement: “The actions of the GDC impact the proportion of cases progressed, which remained consistent across all of the ethnic groups, indicating that our process does not exacerbate any apparent ethnic bias.”
‘The DDAG supports the plans for further examination of the GDC processes to ensure that they do not discriminate or perpetuate bias or racism in case referrals or reporting, including actions such as anonymising case information.’
You can find the full registration and fitness to practise 2021 statistical reports on the GDC’s Annual Report webpage.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
