The General Dental Council (GDC) has announced that Kevin O'Brien has been elected Chair of the GDC with immediate effect.

Professor O'Brien assumes the role in a permanent capacity, replacing Derek Prentice who was elected Deputy Chair earlier this year.

'I look forward to leading this experienced and talented Council in public protection – our key role,' said Professor O'Brien, who was born in Edinburgh and is now based in Manchester Dental School where he is Professor of Orthodontics. He has previously worked with the GDC in the roles of Chair of the Specialist Dental Education Board, as a member of the strategic review of undergraduate training and as Chair of the Education Committee.