On 5 December dentists from across the UK passed a motion of no confidence in their regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC).

Over 200 dentists and dental professionals from all around the country attended a special event at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London to ensure their voice was heard and to register their discontent at the actions of the GDC.

The motion that 'this conference believes the GDC has failed in its role as the regulator for dentistry in its current model and demands a reformation of the GDC that will protect patients and re-establish the support of the dental profession' was passed unanimously.

Ian Gordon, spokesperson for the alliance of local dental committees (LDCs), said: 'Fundamental reform is clearly needed, starting with a return to mutual trust and away from a culture of fear. Proportional regulation led by a regulator who understands the profession is a prerequisite to progress'.

In response to the motion, the GDC said in a statement that 'it is disappointing that the LDCs have chosen to go down this route and it is of extreme concern to the GDC that they are construing this ARF increase as potentially having an impact on patient access to dental services. This unfounded and inflammatory stance will do nothing but worry patients unnecessarily'.

MPs debated the GDC's performance on 9 December, six days before the GDC was scheduled to defend itself in the High Court.

Editor's note: As this issue of the BDJ goes to press a verdict from the BDA vs GDC judicial review has not yet been announced. Justice Cranston was still considering the case as of 18 December 2014.