The GDC launches a comprehensive overhaul of its guidance
The General Dental Council (GDC) has launched a major public consultation to completely replace the Standards for the Dental Team (the 'silver book,' first introduced in 2013) with an entirely new Framework for Professionalism. This marks the most significant regulatory shift in over a decade.
The shift from prescriptive rules to principles
The 2013 standards faced criticism for being overly prescriptive, creating a culture of fear, and limiting professional judgment. The proposed Framework for Professionalism condenses regulatory expectations into four core Principles of Professionalism, backed by a dynamic ecosystem of supporting layers.
The GDC wants to move toward a supportive model that promotes learning over fear and protects patient safety by focusing on what makes things go right, rather than just punishing what goes wrong.
Supporting layers
Expectations
Overarching benchmarks for safe practice across all dental roles.
Statutory Professional Guidance
Enforceable legal benchmarks that carry regulatory weight.
Practical Resources
Live materials - case studies, blogs, videos - updated quickly to keep pace with modern dentistry.
Timeline
Nov 2025Scope of Practice update implemented - more freedom for professional judgment.
Jun 2026Formal public consultation launched on the new Framework for Professionalism.
31 Aug 2026Consultation deadline - open to all dental professionals and the public.
What this means for your team right now
While the framework is designed to make regulation simpler, clearer, and less punitive, the baseline expectations for patient safety and public confidence have not changed. Until the consultation concludes and the new framework is formally approved, the existing 2013 Standards for the Dental Team remain the active legal standard governing your registration.
Have your say - visit the GDC website to participate in the consultation before 31 August 2026.