DDU highlights challenges in proposed changes to registration of overseas-qualified dentists

Responding to recently announced proposals by the Department of Health and Social Care on provisional registration for overseas-qualified dentists, John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), said:

“It’s important that the GDC makes the process of registration for colleagues who qualified overseas as smooth as possible while discharging its key duty, that of ensuring patient safety.

“The implications of the proposals, following hot on the heels of recent changes to the requirements for entry to Performers Lists, are significant. The challenges include the need to arrange appropriate supervision of potentially significant numbers of provisionally registered dentists.

“In light of this, we’ll be carefully reviewing the government proposals, assessing the potential risks to those involved and contributing to the consultation on behalf of members.

“Our members will want to ensure public safety comes first, as will all healthcare professionals reviewing these proposals.”