General Dental Council

The General Dental Council (GDC) regulates dental professionals in the United Kingdom. 

All dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the General Dental Council to work in the UK.

Their purpose is to protect the public by regulating the dental professions. They do that by:

• Registering qualified professionals
• Setting standards of dental practice and conduct
• Assuring the quality of dental education
• Ensuring professionals keep up-to-date
• Helping patients with complaints about a dentist or dental care professional
• Working to strengthen patient protection

The Council

The Council of the GDC was restructured in 2009. It is now made up of 24 members - 12 appointed registrants and 12 appointed lay members. It is their job to ensure the GDC carries out its core functions efficiently and in ways that ensure the safety of patients. It is responsible for setting the strategy and direction of the GDC and ensuring that all major decisions are in line with the strategy, taking major policy decisions and ensuring and monitoring financial integrity. The Council is supported by around 150 staff, headed up by the Interim Chief Executive and Registrar, Ian Todd and the Executive Management Team.

Contact details

Telephone: 0845 222 4141

Email: information@gdc-uk.org

Website: www.gdc-uk.org

Postal Address

General Dental Council
37 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8DQ