Potential implications of direct access

When placed alongside the simultaneous expansion of the scope of practice for many DCP groups, the potential implications for the delivery of dental care, workforce planning and the balance of resources against demand in the UK are far-reaching. This decision followed the GDC’s deliberations on a lengthy series of stakeholder and public consultations, to which Dental Protection contributed both through a written submission and a formal presentation to the relevant GDC committee.

Dental Protection strongly welcomes the emphasis that the GDC has placed upon patient safety and the need for all registrants to work within the limits of their knowledge, training and competence.

Kevin Lewis, Dental Protection’s Dental Director, said,

“Many UK observers have described this as a giant step into the unknown – whether they happen to agree with the changes or not - and undeniably, there are risks as well as opportunities. But for Dental Protection this is more familiar territory because of our many years of experience working with different variations of ‘direct access’ in other parts of the world where we protect and support many thousands of members. We believe that we are better placed than most to anticipate the likely impact of these changes here in the UK”.