The General Dental Council (GDC) is looking for two dental professionals to join its council.
The two dental professionals will join four new lay members to make up 12 members overall – six appointed registrants and six appointed lay members.
‘The GDC is embarking on a far-reaching programme of work to reform dental professional regulation to ensure patients interests are more firmly at the heart of what we do and for regulation to be more proportionate and fair,’ William Moyes, chair of the GDC, said.
‘It is a crucial time for the GDC with the launch of Shifting the Balance.
‘As a council member, you will play a vital role in shaping our plans.
‘We are looking for individuals with experience of supporting confidence in public services, the capacity to understand the organisational and business issues facing the GDC and experience of providing strategic input to an organisation.’
GDC’s future plans
The GDC has recently launched its plans for the future of dental regulation in the document titled Shifting the Balance.
It claims these plans will shift the focus from enforcement to prevention by improving CPD so dental professionals are better supported by the education they receive during their career.
‘I joined with the intent to both extend and develop the concept of patient protection, as well as to support and give direction for the regulation of members of the dental team, utilising the skills I had gained from actively enjoying a career in dentistry of over 30 years,’ Lawrence Mudford, GDC council member and general dental practitioner, said.
‘I have gained new skills, as well as developing an increased self-awareness, resilience and professional fulfilment.
‘Working with my peers, especially those from a lay background, I have gained a wider appreciation of the vital role, skills and aptitudes that executive and non-executive personnel bring to a board, working together to protect patients.
‘Dental regulation continues to go through a period of rapid change – particularly with Shifting the Balance and the new council members will be fundamental to steering this reform to benefit patient protection and maintain public confidence in dental services.’
The closing date for applications is midday on 5 April 2017.
A full information pack and details of how to apply are available on the Saxton Bampfylde website.
