Bringing it all together

The GDC's Scope of Practice is a document that remains in flux. The introduction reads, "Your scope of practice is likely to change over the course of your career. You may expand your scope by developing new skills, or you may narrow your scope but deepen your knowledge of a particular area by choosing more specialised practice."

The GDC reminds us that it will be reviewing the lists regularly to be sure that it is continually relevant in light of new developments in dentistry. As an American that spends nearly half my time working with UK dental practices, I am particularly aware that the Scope of Practice has been bringing our two countries into closer alignment with regards to the practise of dentistry and utilisation of auxiliaries. This is very exciting because I can see how awareness and understanding of this important document could improve efficiency, patient care and profitability in UK dental practices. However, I fear that many dentists either aren't aware of some of the changes to the Scope of Practice, or haven't yet had the bigger vision and understanding to see the opportunities they bring and then implement them effectively.