SBDN are keen to share this news with you from the GDC ….
Our plan provides a framework for how we plan to manage uncertainty while furthering our ambition for a flexible and responsive regulatory framework that:
- maintains dental education and training standards
- supports the registration of those who meet our standards
- provides public protection if a dental professional falls short of expectations.
We are about to enter an important period of transition for the dental team as we look to modernise our standards and guidance, putting more trust in dental professionals to exercise their judgment and professionalism while meeting the oral health needs of their patients.
Our strategic priorities are to keep building effective prevention strategies and operating a proportionate system for resolving concerns, to further our ambition to shift the balance from enforcement to prevention. The strategy includes plans to embed new principles of professionalism and focusing our investigations on the most serious concerns.
We will be focusing on our core functions and making improvements where we can, because we recognise that the timetable for reform is far from clear or certain. Our regulatory framework has not been fundamentally updated for four decades and its weakness is becoming increasingly apparent. Reform is necessary if we are to become more agile and improve our efficacy and performance, and we will continue to press government.
We also know there are issues facing dentistry that fall beyond our remit, such as widening health inequalities and access to NHS dental services, but where we can play a role. Our strategy includes proposals of how we could contribute, and we are particularly interested to hear views from our stakeholders on our proposals and any opportunities to engage.
Estimated fee levels have been articulated at a level that is fair to dental professionals and that will ensure we can sensibly manage financial risks caused by high and volatile inflationary pressures, ensuring we continue to be a sustainable regulator.
We expect fees to be higher than the levels set in 2019, to around £730 (+7%) for dentists and to around £120 (+5%) for dental care professionals. These are our current best estimates of the level at which the fees will be set, and the actual level will be set in relation to the final expenditure plan following this consultation.
Inflationary risks are affecting everyone in the UK and our expenditure plans have been formulated with this in mind. We will further manage inflationary risks going forward by:
- continuing to drive efficiencies and challenge our costs before fees are set in October each year
- committing to limiting any further increases in 2023 to the rate of inflation, unless further exceptional circumstances arise.
Our consultation provides stakeholders with an opportunity to help shape our strategy for the next three years, and we invite all those with an interest in how dental professional are regulated to share their views.
https://www.gdc-uk.org/about-us/what-we-do/consultations-and-responses/corporate-strategy-2023—2025
SBDN believe it is time for the GDC to yet again consider having a different ARF fee for dental nurses, acknowledging that not all DCPs have the same earning capacity – time to act