The General Dental Council (GDC) has issued new guidance to all registrants who are associated with, undertaking or involved in clinical trials and research.

The guidance highlights the importance of putting patients' interests first, finding out about current best practice, laws and regulations, acting honestly and fairly and ensuring that patients are able to claim compensation.

It is the responsibility of anyone involved with dental research to be aware of any legislation relating to clinical trials and to seek approval from their local ethics committee where required. The guidance also stresses the importance of checking with your defence organisation before undertaking this kind of work.

Further information and advice is available from the 'Standards guidance' section of the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org.