Dental professionals have had their say in the form of a survey issued by the GDC. The aim of the survey was to observe and consider opinions of the GDC by dentists and dental professionals. More than 4000 British dentists and dental care professionals participated in the GDCs annual registrant survey. A representative sample of dentists and DCPs was compiled and sent the survey in November 2012. There were variety of different questions asked regarding the GDC and their position as a regulator.
Results from this survey were assembled and subsequently qualitative research was carried out in January and February 2013. This research also involved telephone interviews and organised focus groups.
Through various forms of investigation the GDC have concluded that confidence in the GDC as a regulator is stable. Figures reflected that 65% of dental professionals who took part in the survey are confident that the GDC is regulating dentistry effectively. 29% were not confident.
However, although this was a positive reflection, research showed that there was in fact a decline in confidence in dental regulation overall since 2011. 48% of registrants believed that the level of confidence was too much. This a 9% rise from 2011. Evidence suggests that this increase in negative attitude may be due to a rising perception that regulation is a burden. In the process of qualitative research individuals were asked, ‘why do you think dental regulation is too great?’ The response to this included other regulators being quoted and inspections commented upon.
However, these results reflected a decline in confidence in regulation but not in the attitude towards the GDC specifically. Confidence in the GDC was still reflected, with 52% of dentists and 72% of DCPs retaining this confidence in the GDC. A large proportion of survey-takers believed that the GDC was in touch with dentists and patients. However, less than half of respondents were of the opinion that the GDC was in touch with DCPs and the public.
The survey also included opinions on the price level of the Annual Retention Fee. Results saw that 79% of dentists thought the ARF was too expensive at £576. However, only 26% of DCPs agreed it was too high, with 49% believing it was just about right. Nevertheless, more results showed that 79% of DCPs and 46% of dentists concluded that the DCP ARF was also too high at £120. The GDC have stated that they are currently reviewing the ARF policy with these opinions being taken into consideration.
The GDC maintains that they intend to regulate effectively by basing their regulation on proportion, transparency, accountability, consistency, targeting, response to demands and risks and prioritising. The GDC encourages GDC registrants to voice their opinions so they can aim for more improvement. This can be done though feedback forms, consultations, events and focus groups. They also urge registrants to keep up to date with GDC news and announcements. This can be done by signing up to the GDCs monthly newsletter.
Information sourced from the GDC.