[1] It was established in 1956 to set and maintain standards in UK dentistry, with the aims of protecting the general public from unqualified dental professionals.
[11] The GDC ran a consultation on the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) policy, which was open from 16 April until 4 June 2014.
The BDA took the step of appointing Forensic Accountants to analyse the figures presented by the GDC as justification for the rise.
The subsequent report was quoted as being 'Damning' and resulted in the GDC having to engage KPMG to assess the figures which had been presented as evidence.
In September 2014 the GDC's proposed increase in Annual Retention Fees led to threats of legal action from the BDA, the trade union and representative body of UK dentists.
[13] The initial stages of the GDC's fitness to practise process were audited by the PSA with the findings published in December 2013.
[14] Dental Protection Limited have been highly critical of the way in which the GDC approach the Fitness to Practise Proceedings that are the disciplinary hearings Dentists have to undergo.