As you will all be aware, by the 31st July it will be time for DCPs to have declared their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours to the GDC. The undertaking of CPD is a legal requirement for all members of the dental team, and we will all have been busy building up both our verifiable and non-verifiable hours for the end of this CPD year. 

It is a general legal and ethical principle that as dental professionals we must gain valid consent, explaining all the relevant options and possible costs before starting treatment or physical investigation on our patients.  

The GDC standards for the dental profession were introduced on the 30th September 2013. A set of standards and guidelines was issued to every GDC registrant. 

The standards are there to offer guidance for members of the dental profession on conduct, performance and ethics.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body that provides information and regulates the quality and availability of health and social care services in England.

The CQC regulates not only dentists but also hospitals, GPs, ambulances, mental health services, care homes and care in people’s own homes, and services for people restricted under the Mental Health Act.

There may be times in your working life when you need to raise a concern with your manager. This could be over something minor or something major, but it is important that all staff members feel they are able to approach their manager to discuss the best course of action and resolve the issue without feeling afraid.