Dentist Alison Lockyer has been elected as the new chair of the council of the General Dental Council (GDC).

And for the first time, its make-up evenly reflects the people that provide and receive dental care, with 12 professional members and 12 lay members.

Hustings were held this morning (Tuesday) for all three candidates at the GDC's headquarters on Wimpole Street in London, followed by an election.

Alison Lockyer qualified in Edinburgh in 1980 and works full-time as a primary care dentist.

She is a returning registrant member of the council and was appointed earlier this year by the Appointments Commission after the Council underwent a restructuring to become smaller and fully appointed.

The current chair Hew Mathewson and Alison will discuss and agree the detailed handover timetable.

She will take office as chair on either 1 January 2010 or on the date on which the current chair resigns, by agreement, whichever is earlier.

Hew Mathewson says: 'It's been an immense privilege to lead the General Dental Council for the last six and a half years through a period of enormous change and challenge for everyone in dentistry. I am delighted to be able to handover the position of chair to Alison and hope patients and registrants alike will join me in welcoming her to the role.

'There are more exciting and challenging times ahead for the GDC and Alison, a dentist registrant member of council, brings with her a wealth of leadership experience. Working with the GDC's new interim chief executive I am confident she will do much to strengthen the council's commitment to patient protection.”

Alison Lockyer said: 'I would like to thank Hew for his excellent Presidency, he will be a hard act to follow, but has been an excellent example of how to chair. I am really looking forward to leading this multi-skilled and talented council in public protection.'