The DDU has welcomed the publication of long-awaited government proposals to streamline the way healthcare professionals are regulated.
Reacting to the publication of the government consultation on 'Regulating professionals, protecting the public', John Makin, head of the DDU said, “For many years the DDU has been calling for the GDC to be given the powers necessary for it to be a more agile and efficient regulator. Many of the proposed reforms are centred around changes to the fitness to practise procedure. Being investigated by the regulator is stressful for dental professionals, so any reforms that can deliver a fairer and swifter process have the potential to be positive.
“While the GDC is not included in the first priority group for regulatory reform, we nevertheless note the government’s continued stance that it favours a reduction in the number of healthcare regulators. An independent review has been set up to examine this. The DDU is clear: we strongly believe that the GDC should remain the dedicated regulator of dental professionals. We will be making this point throughout these consultation exercises.
“These are complex issues, so we will be considering the fine print carefully and responding to the consultation on behalf of members.”