A consultation, launched today by the General Dental Council (GDC), is proposing changes to the way it quality assures education and training leading to registration for dental professionals.

The dental regulator is seeking to use its resources more efficiently, supporting education and training providers to drive improvements in dental education.

The proposals seek to replace a ‘one size fits all’ approach, instead utilising several factors to shape the scope and frequency of activity. Among these factors will be an assessment of a future professional’s scope of practice; an education provider’s past performance; management of issues and challenges they are facing; and an annual self-assessment.

Ross Scales, Acting Head of Education Policy and Quality Assurance, said: 'This consultation upholds the commitments made in Shifting the balance – we want to channel our resources efficiently and effectively into those areas that will bring the greatest benefit, while working closely with training and education providers.'

Another proposed change to inspection activity is the introduction of an enhanced annual self-assessment submission. This will require training and education providers to feedback on an array of topics, including: successes, challenges and a progress report against actions required.

To find out more about the consultation, or to respond, visit: https://www.gdc-uk.org/about/what-we-do/consultations

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