The dental state of the nation: A GDC report

Dentists

1,348 people applied to join the register as a dentist; 753 people were added to the GDC register as a dentist over the period (from the applications received in the reporting period). Of these:

580 held a relevant European diploma in dentistry or a recognised overseas qualification. 160 passed the Overseas Registration Exam.

13 had qualifications assessed (these applications were made through a now closed route for dependants of persons whose EU qualifications were mutually recognised)

Dentists added to the register had been qualified for the following lengths of time, at the time of their application:

• 661 qualified for one to five years
• 61 qualified for six to 10 years
• 31 qualified for 11 or more years

Temporary dentists

73 people applied to join the register as a temporary dentist over the reporting period. Temporary registration allows dentists who not eligible for full registration, to work in a supervised post for training, teaching, or research purposes for a limited period of time.

32 people were added to the register as a temporary dentist over the period (these may include applications received before the start of the reporting period). All successful applicants had an overseas diploma in dentistry.

Temporary dentists added to the register had been qualified for the following lengths of time, at the time of their application:

• 5 qualified for one to five years
• 14 qualified for six to 10 years
• 13 qualified for 11 or more years

Dental Care Professionals (DCPs)

2,550 applied to join the register as a DCP were received, while 401 DCPs were added to the GDC register. 36 had a relevant qualification that was not a diploma in dentistry

365 had a diploma in dentistry (you can no longer use a diploma in dentistry only for applications to join the register as a DCP, you will need a relevant overseas DCP qualification).

DCPs added to the register had been qualified for the following lengths of time, at the time of their application:

• 145 qualified for one to five years
• 130 qualified for six to 10 years
• 126 qualified for 11 or more years.

The British Orthodontic Society has also published statistics about the state of orthodontics in the UK. The BOS survey was carried out online in April 2023.

• Over three quarters (76%) of orthodontists in a new survey report an increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment within the past three years.
• The rise of online working/socialising and video calls is having an impact with over half of orthodontists (65%) saying this is a factor for seeking treatment. In addition over a third (38%) say their adult patients are influenced by influencers and celebrities.
• The majority of adult patients (83%) are in the 26 to 55 age bracket.

As the demand for adult orthodontics increases, so do the options for patients.  This new survey also reveals the cost of living is having an impact on patients seeking treatment.  There is concern that people may put themselves in danger with ‘direct to the consumer’ teeth straightening – also known as ‘DIY braces’. A staggering 88% of orthodontists surveyed are concerned that more patients will be seeking ‘DIY’ treatment options as a result of the pandemic and move to digital communication and commoditisation of healthcare.

People seeking orthodontic treatment are advised to visit a trained clinician ensuring that they have the various options open to them explained, in person, so they can make an informed decision.

Anjli Patel, BOS Director of External Relations, commented: “It is great to see the number of adults interested in orthodontics remains high and we want to ensure patients are given the very best advice about orthodontic treatment.  Our members, specialists and dentists with a special interest, offer a range of options for adults, enabling them to provide a solution to any kind of orthodontic problem.”