British Dental Association Response To White Paper On Regulation Of Health Professionals

The British Dental Association (BDA) has expressed its disappointment at a number of proposals published in the Government White Paper: Trust, Assurance and Safety - The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century. The BDA is concerned that two changes to the membership of the General Dental Council - the loss of the professional majority and the appointment, rather than election, of members - may undermine the profession's confidence in the system.


The BDA has also reiterated its concern about the movement to a civil standard of proof in fitness to practise cases already introduced by the GDC, arguing that the seriousness of proof required in such cases should be consummate with their possible consequences.


Peter Ward, the BDA's Chief Executive, said:


"The BDA supports the robust regulation of dentistry to ensure that patients can have confidence in the high professional standards of dental practitioners. However, the General Dental Council has proved itself a capable regulator. Our concern is that unnecessary changes to the composition of the Council and the way its members are selected will undermine the profession's confidence in the system."


The BDA has, though, welcomed some elements of the White Paper. The recognition that the vast majority of health professionals are hard working and skilful and assurances that there will be no reduction in the number of regulators at this stage both meet with BDA approval. The BDA is also pleased to note that revalidation of dentists will be taken forward and looks forward to discussing the detail with Government and the GDC.


The Government White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety ???" The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century, is available online here.


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