The GDC has appointed the members of the its new, independent Fitness to Practice Panel. The panel members will make up the committees which decide on dental professionals' fitness to practice.

In the past the committees which made decisions on dental professionals' fitness to practice were made up of GDC members. Membership of these committees will now be drawn from this independent pool of dental professionals and lay people called the Fitness to Practice Panel.

The appointment decisions were made on merit. Within the field of candidates judged to be 'appointable', regard was given to achieving a balance in terms of age, background and experience (both dental and lay), gender and ethnic origin.

The Appointments Committee found it had a strong field of very good quality candidates, sufficient to appoint to all 35 posts as well as to establish a Reserve List, from which to draw if positions fell vacant during the next 12 months.

All members will receive regular further training throughout their period of service in, for example, changes in the law, new procedures, the impact of appeal decisions, other areas as required and/or as identified by members themselves.

Additionally, particular training in the role of Panel Chair will be provided for current and prospective Chairs. There will also be an appraisal system.