The GDC’s New Scope of Practice: What Every Dental Professional Needs to Know

The General Dental Council (GDC) has published its updated Scope of Practice Guidance, marking the first major revision in several years.  The new version was released on 16 September 2025 and came into effect on 1 November 2025.  And while the core boundaries of dental roles remain the same, the way those boundaries are described has evolved significantly. 

Let’s explore what’s new, what’s unchanged, and what this means for your day-to day practice. 

What’s New in the GDC’s Scope of Practice

The GDC has not change the legal scope of any dental title – dentists, hygienists, therapists, nurses, technicians, and other dental care professionals (DCPs) still work within the same statutory limits. 

However, the new guidance focuses on clarity, flexibility and professional judgment.  Rather than presenting a fixed list of tasks for each registrant group, the updated document emphasis that professions should: 

• Use their clinical judgment to determine whether an activity is within their personal competency. 

• Ensure they are appropriately trained and indemnified for everything they do.

• Work collaboratively within a team structure that supports safe, effective, patient-centred care. 

This shift recognises the dynamic nature of modern dentistry where skills, technology, and team roles are continually developing. 

The “Safe Practitioner” Framework

Another important addition is the integration of the GDC’s Safe Practitioner Framework, which reinforces that every dental professional must only undertake work for which they are :

• Trained

• Competent and

• Indemnified

This framework encourages professionals to reflect regularly on their learning and competence, aligning clinical practice with ongoing professional development (CPD).

A More Flexible Approach to Roles

For many dental care professionals, particularly dental hygienists and dental therapists, this new approach may feel empowering.  It allows for greater flexibility to use the full range of skills within one’s title, provided competence and indemnity are in place. 

Practices and employers are encouraged to:

• Review delegation and supervision policies

• Ensure job descriptions align with the updated scope of practice

• Support staff with training and CPD opportunities that reflect this more adaptive, judgment based approach. 

What You Should do Now

With the guidance only very recently coming into effect from 1 November 2025, now is the time to:

1. Read  the new Scope of Practice document – on the GDC website

2. Review your current duties and competencies – check that everything you do is within your personal scope. 

3. Update practice protocols and team training – to ensure compliance with the latest standards.

4. Reflect on your development plan – are these areas where you could upskill safely within your professional boundaries?

Final Thoughts

The updated GDC scope of Practice doesn’t expand or restrict what dental professionals can legally do, but it does modernise how we think about professional boundaries.

By focusing on competence, safety and professional judgment, the guidance empowers dental teams to deliver care that is both flexible and firmly rooted in patient protection and professional integrity. 

Should you require any assistance with development plans, CPD training or further advice on the new scope of practice please contact Buxton Coates Solicitors Ltd or look to speak to us about our Oracle Hub which offers a multitude of services that may assist you in your career progression.