Sir, I would like to congratulate you on your recent editorial A profession no longer (BDJ 2007; 202: 235). The proposal to 'stand down' the GDC is only the end of a long line of events to deprofessionalise dentistry.

Unfortunately much of the blame must lie with the GDC. Practitioners may now place full page advertisements in the press often making extravagant claims to expertise. Allowing them to practise in 'Health Boutiques' with beauticians and hairdressers, and to supplement their registered qualifications with unrecognised qualifications of doubtful validity, have all been contributory. These would have resulted in at least a disciplinary hearing if not erasure had the GDC not abrogated their responsibility.

When considered in relation to the clinical methods available at the start of the NHS, the complexity of our dental procedures and potential harm that is possible today means that the GDC should have shown itself determined to take strict control of the profession. I fear that it is now too late.