Latest updates from the GDC
A view from the Chair: analysing feedback on our Corporate Strategy, new Council Members, and working towards good oral health for all
In his last blog post as Chair, Lord Toby Harris thanks dental professionals for their hard work and dedication to delivering good oral health for all. He welcomes new Council Members and thanks individuals and organisations for their feedback on our proposed Corporate Strategy.
Number of UK registered dental care professionals rises again
The number of dental care professionals (DCPs) on the UK Register has increased to its largest size in recent years, following the annual renewal period.
With 80,657 DCPs now registered across the UK, we have witnessed a substantial increase of 4,764 professionals (6.26%) compared to the equivalent figure for 2024.
This year, 3,312 DCPs did not renew their registration, which is 4.1% of those who had renewed their registration by 31 July. This compares to an average of 5.5% over the previous four years.
Find out more about the UK Register
Analysis of feedback on Corporate Strategy underway
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our proposed Corporate Strategy. We received 452 responses which is significantly higher than the 291 we received for our current strategy which we consulted on three years ago.
We had feedback from 412 individuals and 40 from organisations. We are currently analysing the responses. The strategy and consultation outcome report will be presented to Council on 31 October for approval before publication.
GDC publishes review of research into AI and dental service provision
We have published a report examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used in dental services and the potential implications for dental professionals, patients and the wider sector.
The review, conducted by Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth, analysed 45 international studies from 2020 onwards. The research found that most of the current AI applications in dentistry fall into three categories:
- Robotics, particularly in implant surgery, where systems such as the Yomi robot assist with precision placement
- Deep learning, used in the identification and treatment of caries, with patients asked to use AI smartphone applications to take intraoral photographs to be analysed by smartphone applications
- Supervised machine learning, with applications in paediatric dentistry, such as predicting and identifying childhood caries.
GDC appoints new Council Members
The GDC has appointed two new Council Members, who will take office on 1 October 2025.
Following an open and competitive recruitment process, Bill Gunnyeon and Mike Driver have been appointed as lay Council Members, both commencing four-year terms.
Bill Gunnyeon brings extensive healthcare regulation and governance experience whilst Mike Driver brings extensive experience in government finance and senior leadership. Bill and Mike will succeed Sheila Kumar and Anne Heal who will conclude their eight-year terms as lay Council Members.
The GDC’s outgoing Chair, Lord Toby Harris, said: “I would like to thank Anne and Sheila for their significant contribution to the Council’s success and the important roles they have played in helping to shape how the professions are regulated.”
Find out more about new appointments.
GDC meets next generation of dental professionals
Our Head of Scottish affairs, Gordon Matheson, kick-started our 2025/26 academic sessions with a presentation to BDS5 students at the University of Glasgow.
Throughout the year, we will be meeting online and in-person with students and newly registered members of the dental team from across the UK. These are great opportunities to get to know the next generation of dental professionals, clarify our role and approach to regulation, and explore the core role of professionalism in the ever-changing world of dentistry.