The GDC is gathering views on the draft guidance regarding student fitness to practise through a new consultation. The guidance document is aimed at student dentists and all student dental care professionals, as well as the institutions which provide dental training.

The purpose of the guidance is to instill in students a greater awareness of professionalism and a commitment to the GDC's Standards for dental professionals. Another key aim is to help dental schools and other training providers deal with issues which may arise during a course of study that call into question whether a student is fit to practise during training or in the future.

The GDC has developed this guidance in response to the UK Government's White Paper Trust, assurance and safety. It requires the healthcare regulators to strengthen their relationships with healthcare students and the institutions which provide their training.

The aim of the consultation is to gather a range of views which will help make the guidance as effective and as helpful as possible. The consultation can be completed online at http://www.gdc-uk.org and will close on 26 May 2009.