New language controls

The charity believes the legislation will provide an extra level of protection for patients by ensuring they are able to fully communicate and understand every element of their treatment with their dental team.

These new controls cover all dentists, hygienists, therapists and nurses who register to work in the UK and aim to ensure they are proficient enough in the English language to communicate effectively with patients.

The measures come into force on April 1, 2016, and will be enforced by the General Dental Council (GDC).

Speaking on their introduction Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said: “This change in legislation is a positive move which will give patients increased confidence in the treatment they receive and ensures they are aware of every single element of it through clear and accurate communication.

“We are delighted to see that the authorities have recognised and implemented these measures to give patients the best possible treatment they can. Although European Economic Area (EEA) training for dentists operates to a standard framework, with some 21 per cent of dentists practicing in the UK coming from the EEA, the current legislation does fall short by failing to take into account language skills.