The majority of dental nurses hold positive views of the General Dental Council (GDC), new statistics have revealed – while most dentists view the regulator negatively.
This is according to a new GDC survey of almost 1,500 early career dental professionals (ECPs).
The findings show that the majority of respondents had either a neutral or negative perception of the regulator.
While over two in five (44%) reported a positive perception of the GDC, nearly one third (30%) reported a neutral perception, and just over a quarter (26%) reported a negative perception.
Responses also varied by sub-group. DCPs generally had a more positive perception of the GDC compared to dentists, and individuals registered with the GDC for a longer period of time were generally more negative in their perceptions.
For example, dental nurses had the highest positive perceptions, with 59% viewing the GDC favourably. However, dentists had the lowest positive perceptions at 22%.
Responses described negative impacts of the GDC’s activities on their professional practice. These included: ‘defensive dentistry’ as a result of a perception of the GDC being ‘on the side of the patient’
Additionally, dentists had the highest negative perceptions, with 52% expressing unfavourable views – significantly more than any other group.
More than 150 people responded to an open-ended question about the impact of GDC activities on their professional practice. Responses described negative impacts of the GDC’s activities on their professional practice. These included:
- ‘Defensive dentistry’ as a result of a perception of the GDC being ‘on the side of the patient’
- GDC requirements being seen as too ‘stringent’, in particular the notes required to justify dental care decision making
- A perceived lack of support in how to undertake some critical functions – notably providing evidence of CPD – and a lack of clarity around what is required
- A fear among ECPs of both litigation by patients and of FtP hearings.
In addition, around half of the ECPs interviewed reported that being registered with and regulated by the GDC had an impact on them as a professional.
This included ECPs feeling a sense of pride from being registered with and regulated by the GDC and experiencing a sense of security related to being part of a larger organisation.
The survey report said that in general, respondents felt that the GDC promotes equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the profession. However suggestions for improvement included ‘improving the registration experience (including the ORE) for individuals from overseas, communicating to ECPs more about EDI, and addressing the perceived lack of diversity within the GDC, in terms of staffing and the FtP panel’.
More to do
Stefan Czerniawski, executive director of strategy at the GDC, said: ‘It’s important for all dental professionals to understand and have confidence in the regulatory system in which they work – and even more so for people in the early years of their career.
‘That understanding helps dental professionals be confident in their own practice and underpins patients’ confidence in the care they receive.
‘This research makes clear that there is still more to do to ensure that the regulatory system is transparent and effective and is seen positively by the dental professionals we regulate. The insights it provides will be invaluable in helping us do that more effectively.’
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