The GDCs annual registrant survey, which was sent to a representative sample of dentists and DCPs across the UK in November and December last year, asked a range of questions.
This was followed with qualitative research in January and February 2013 – including telephone interviews and focus groups.
Confidence in the GDC as a regulator remains stable. 65 per cent of the dental professionals who took part in the survey are confident that the GDC is regulating dentistry effectively. (29 per cent are not).
There is, however, a decline in confidence in dental regulation overall. About half (48 per cent) thought the level was too much, up by 9 per cent since 2011.
There is some evidence to suggest this is linked to a perception of increased regulatory burden. When asked during the qualitative research, why they thought dental regulation was too great, registrants spontaneously cited other regulators and more specifically inspections.
But this particular decline in confidence in regulation doesn’t seem to be impacting on registrant attitudes to the GDC as a regulator.
52 per cent of dentists and 72 per cent of DCPs are confident in the GDC (40 per cent and 22 per cent respectively are not confident).
The majority of respondents thought that the GDC was in touch with dentists (60 per cent) and patients (56 per cent). However, fewer than half thought the GDC was in touch with DCPs (41 per cent) and the public (49 per cent).
The GDC aims to regulate in a way that is proportionate, accountable, transparent, consistent, targeted and responsive to changing demands, risks and priorities.
Registrants are encouraged to have their say through a number of channels including feedback forms, consultations, events and focus groups. They are also encouraged to keep up to date with GDC news by signing up to its monthly newsletter.
The survey asked respondents about the level of the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) for Dentists and DCPs. 79 per cent of those dentists who took part in the survey thought that the dentist ARF was too high (£576), this view was only shared by 26 per cent of DCPs - with 49 per cent thinking it was about right.
79 per cent of DCPs and 46 per cent of dentists who took part thought the DCP ARF was too high (£120).
The GDC is currently reviewing the ARF policy to ensure that there is a more transparent and robust basis on which the fee level is set for different registrant groups. You can find the full details of this review here.