The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP[UK]), the professional body representing general dental practice, and The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and its Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) have announced that FDGP(UK) is taking the first step towards becoming an independent organisation.

FGDP(UK) was established as a faculty of the RCS in 1992. Since then the Faculty has built a professional home for the general practice dentistry community in the UK.

As the Faculty celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Board of FGDP(UK) has decided its aspirations are best served as an independent organisation, whilst remaining in close partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons and its Faculty of Dental Surgery. Over the coming months it plans to lay the foundations of that organisation for the benefit of patients and the profession.

FDGP(UK) delivers world leading courses in implantology, minor oral surgery and restorative care. With a membership approaching 5,000, and with an international reach, FGDP(UK) also publishes the highly respected Primary Dental Journal and produces clinical guidelines written by dentists, for dentists.

The world leading dental examination in the UK, the MJDF, which is administered jointly between the FGDP(UK) and FDS, will continue to be the leading qualification for the dental profession.