Following the opening of the DCP Register on 31 July 2006 the GDC has been delighted with the positive response from dental nurses and technicians. In the first month, the GDC sent out approximately 5,000 application packs in response to requests from DCPs keen to be among the first new registrants.

The GDC's Chief Executive and Registrar, Duncan Rudkin, said that the Council had received an overwhelmingly positive response for application packs and would be sending application packs to those on the voluntary registers from October. ‘This is so that we can manage the processing of all applications, to help ensure that applications are turned around as quickly as possible. All dental nurses and technicians on the voluntary registers should receive their application forms by March 2007,’ he said.

Application packs for dental nurses and technicians and further information about DCP registration are available on the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org. Potential registrants can also request an application pack by emailing their name and address to dcpform@gdc-uk.org or by calling the GDC on 020 7887 3800.

One of the first registrants to join the new GDC register was Kevin Tinklin, who works as a crown and bridge technician for a laboratory in Nottingham. He warmly welcomes registration for DCPs and remarked, ‘At last experienced and qualified technicians have gained recognised status within the profession of dentistry. Now we can justifiably, through our expertise and qualifications, be part of the wider dental team delivering the best care possible for the patient.’