General Dental Council - Established in 1956 to set and maintain standards in UK dentistry - Aims to protect the general public from unqualified dental professionals - Headquarters located in Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London - Aims to promote confidence in dental professionals and be at the forefront of health care regulation - Entirely funded by the profession it regulates

Registration of dental care professionals - GDC regulates dental professionals such as dental nurses, dental technicians, dental therapists, dental hygienists, orthodontic therapists, and clinical dental technicians - Dental nurses were able to voluntarily join the GDC register since July 2006, and it became mandatory in July 2008

Overseas Registration Exam - Administered by the GDC to test the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of candidates - Designed to ensure that UK graduates and overseas dentists have the same basic level of knowledge and skills - Consists of two parts: Part 1 tests application of knowledge to clinical practice, and Part 2 tests practical clinical skills

Council - The Council consists of 12 members, 6 registrants, and 6 lay members - Changes in the Council structure occurred in October 2013, with new governance arrangements - Council members are appointed and supported by the General Dental Council (Constitution) (Amendment) Order 2012

History - Established in 1956 through an amendment to the Dentists Act 1948 - Restructured over the years, with a decrease in the number of members - In October 2009, a smaller fully appointed Council with 24 members was formed - Last elected Chair of the GDC was Kevin OBrien from 2011 to 2013 - Further restructuring occurred in October 2013