Calls for next GDC chair to be a registrant

Representatives across the dental profession are calling for a registrant to be appointed as the next General Dental Council (GDC) chair.

In an open letter to the regulator, associations and specialist societies urge that the next council chair ‘must be a registrant’.

The letter, signed by bodies representing the full spectrum of the dental sector, states: ‘We note that Chair Lord Toby Harris is not seeking a second term of office. We can take some comfort that his term has not repeated the mistakes of his predecessor, Dr Bill Moyes, who left trust and confidence among registrants on the floor.’

It continues: ‘Lord Harris has left a long lead time to ensure the right process is in place for selection of a successor. We want the right person for this role, and so we are united that the next council chair must be a registrant. However, real gains made since 2021 cannot make up for lost ground.

‘Rebuilding trust is a journey, not a final destination. We want to ensure your next chair can bring knowledge, insight, and empathy from the coalface to the task ahead.’

The British Dental Association (BDA), one of the letter’s signatories, emphasised that this ‘unprecedented show of unity reflects the depth of feeling across dentistry.’

The BDA was joined by the British Association of Oral Surgeons, British Association of Dental Therapists, British Orthodontic Society, British Society of Prosthodontics, British Association of Private Dentistry, British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, British Society for Restorative Dentistry, The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, British Association of Dental Nurses and the British Society of Gerodontology.

Applications now closed

This comes as the applications for the position officially closed today (24 February).

When the recruitment push first launched, the regulator said it welcomed candidates ‘who have a diverse range of backgrounds and can bring fresh perspectives and experience’. They should also share the GDC’s vision for regulation that supports the provision of safe, effective oral health care,

The GDC was also looking to fill the position of two council member positions, with the possibility of this increasing to three if a dental professional is appointed as chair.

In September 2025, Lord Toby Harris will complete his four-year term as chair, and lay council members Sheila Kumar and Anne Heal will conclude their maximum eight-year terms.

You can read the full open letter here.

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