Lawrence Mudford (left) and Julia O'Sullivan of the FGDP (UK) and Matthew Wheeler, a Consultant from Pebble Learning

A joint dental conference hosted by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP[UK])and the Faculty of Dental Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons of England in January concluded that the inception of an independent, cross-professional standard setting board would help regulate dental practice in the UK.

Members from both faculties and representatives from specialty associations agreed that the profession could improve its accountability and better support professional development if both faculties worked together to set professional standards, essential for revalidation.

Also in January, dental care professionals (DCPs) became a stronger voice at the heart of the FGDP(UK) when the new DCP Committee met for the first time. With representatives from all DCP disciplines including a clinical dental technician and an orthodontic therapist, the DCP Committee was established to develop standards and educational opportunities in support of the dental team.

At the beginning of February, over 200 delegates and members of the dental press attended the launch of Touchstone.

Touchstone is the FGDP(UK)'s new online portfolio and learning system tailored to the needs of dentists and DCPs and available to all FGDP(UK) members as well as anyone studying on Faculty courses.

'The FGDP(UK) is keen to develop more and better services for its members,' said Lawrence Mudford, Chair of the FGDP(UK)'s Education Committee. 'We believe that our services should contribute towards our aim of improving standards of patient care.'