The General Dental Council (GDC) decided in April that it will no longer include full addresses on its public register of dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs). The registration number will be used as the primary method of identification and to confirm professional status.

The decision has been taken following discussions with patients, the profession, the Department of Health and the Professional Standards Authority. There will now be a consultation to decide on whether to publish the name and registration number or the name, the registration number and town of where the dental professional lives.

In addition to this long awaited change, there will be a stronger focus on registrants displaying their registration numbers in workplaces and on paperwork.

The British Dental Association (BDA) welcomed the decision. Chair Mick Armstrong said: 'It is good news that the GDC has made this step in the right direction. The publication of addresses was unnecessary, and out of line with other regulators, as well as a potential risk to registrant safety. The BDA has campaigned long and hard on getting this policy changed'.