Sir, some while ago I performed a clearance for a patient. I asked where he was to have his dentures made and he informed me that a technician he knew was going to make them. I enquired who and it was apparent that he was not registered to do this work. After a long while, having contacted the GDC, I have been informed that although the technician is not registered to make dentures they are not going to take any further action.

What does this say about the GDC who is supposed to be 'protecting patients and regulating the dental team'? What indeed is the point of registering everyone who goes through the back door of a dental surgery and then not acting when the rules are broken?

Editor-in-Chief's note: Readers are informed that we asked the GDC if they wished to respond to this letter but were told that they were unable to respond unless details of the person working illegally were disclosed, but even then their response would be subject to their disclosure policy.