GDC: Consultation on our next corporate strategy

GDC are now consulting on their next corporate strategy. Their proposals are set out in the consultation, Trusted and effective: a strategy for dental regulation 2026-2028. They would like to encourage you to review their proposed plans and provide your views by 21 August 2025.

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of the GDC, said: "With the launch of our public consultation today, we're keen to receive feedback from dental professionals, stakeholders and partners over the next three months, as this important feedback will shape the final decisions that the Council will take in the Autumn."

"Our public protection role remains the same, but we are proposing that we think more broadly about what that means when faced with challenges such as access to NHS dentistry and growing oral health inequalities. We cannot realise our vision of good oral health for all alone, but we can play a key role in creating the environment in which there are more dental professionals equipped to deliver the care that people need."

GDC proposed strategy continues the direction of travel over recent years while evolving and improving the way they regulate. GDC have made considerable progress towards regulation which focuses on supporting professionalism, enabling learning and resolving issues quickly and proportionately, but it is a long-term goal and there is much more to do.

Council has considered GDC current performance in key areas, and where they need to adapt and respond if they are to meet the needs of the profession and the public.

GDC public protection role remains the same, but they are proposing that they think more broadly about what that means when faced with challenges such as access to NHS dentistry and growing oral health inequalities. GDC want to use their unique position in the sector to address issues that affect the public and patients. There is strength in numbers, so while being respectful of our different roles, GDC want to collaborate and speak up to drive change.

GDC have spoken about wanting to improve their digital capability and modernise their processes, to improve the experience for dental professionals who access GDC online services, particularly for registration and renewal.

GDC will think innovatively about how to use fitness to practise to manage risk more effectively, reducing its punitive effects and increasing opportunities for professional development, and will prioritise work to reduce the negative impacts of investigations on the health and wellbeing of all involved.

GDC income is set to be lower than their expenditure this year, which means their current levels of funding are not sustainable and do not allow for the investment needed to modernise their processes and systems.

The proposed corporate strategy includes measures that will reduce and control costs, including plans to deliver their plans over a five-year period. Council will also review the reserves policy during this period, and their plans include GDC returning to target levels of free reserves by 2030.

While uncertainty remains, GDC are well positioned to invest in their plans and adapt their approach to professional regulation.

Achieving their goal will require the support of dental professionals and stakeholders, and you can help shape GDC strategy by responding to their consultation.

Find out more about GDC corporate strategy consultation