The GDC is strengthening its arrangements for dealing with problems of behaviour, practice and poor health in dental professionals, and introducing new procedures to tackle problems of professional competence. The organisation expects to implement the new fitness-to-practise system in July 2006. The GDC is currently consulting on the draft rules that will bring about this new fitness-to-practise system. To access the consultation document, visit the GDC website (jbrooks@gdc-uk.org, phone 020 7887 3800). The closing date for responses to the consultation is Friday 31 March 2006.