GDC revises education standards to reinforce fitness to practise readiness

The General Dental Council (GDC) has unveiled a comprehensive update to its Standards for Education, marking the first major revision since 2015.

The new standards, which will take effect from the 2026/27 academic year, aim to better prepare dental students and trainees for professional practice by embedding fitness to practise principles throughout their education.

Following a 12-week public consultation, the GDC has introduced new requirements covering student and staff wellbeing, inclusive admissions, and the monitoring of professional behaviours. These additions reflect growing recognition that ethical conduct, resilience, and reflective practice are essential components of safe patient care.

Manjula Das, Head of Education Quality Assurance at the GDC, said the revised standards align with the regulator’s Safe Practitioner Framework and respond to evolving expectations in dental education.

“We’ve listened to educators, students, and the public. These changes are about ensuring that future dental professionals are not only clinically competent but also ethically grounded and fit to practise.”

The GDC will work closely with education providers to implement the new standards, offering guidance and quality assurance support. The regulator also confirmed that the updates will apply to all dental professions it oversees, including dental hygienists, therapists, and technicians.

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