The date for opening the Dental Care Professional (DCP) register has been set for 31 July 2006, by the General Dental Council. Entry to the DCP register will be on the basis of training and qualifications recognised and regulated by the GDC. For a period of two years from the opening of the Register, some DCPs who do not have recognised qualifications will be able to register on the basis of their experience.

The titles dental hygienist, dental therapist, dental nurse, dental technician, clinical dental technician, and orthodontic therapist will be reserved by law for those DCPs who become registered and DCPs will be able to practise dentistry to the extent taught during their training. All DCPs will be responsible to the GDC for practising within the limits of their competence and on registration will be subject to the GDC's guidance on individual and team responsibilities.

DCP educational curricula will set out the knowledge, skills and attitudes that a DCP must have on first registration and they will be able to expand their range of skills through recognised training and experience. The Council says that its ability to meet this opening date is subject to Council approving the statutory rules, which will then need to be approved by the Privy Council in July.