Competence in Dentistry: What the GDC’s Revised Scope of Practice Means for You
The General Dental Council (GDC) has recently updated its Scope of Practice guidance, and one of the key areas it emphasises is competence. While it’s a word we use often in dentistry, this new guidance unpacks what it truly means, how it’s developed, and how we as professionals can continue to demonstrate it throughout our careers.
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights and what they mean in practice.
What does it mean to be competent?
According to the GDC, competence is not just about having the right qualifications or ticking boxes. Instead, it’s a combination of training, skills, experience, and knowledge, alongside the ability to apply them safely, consistently, and in line with professional standards.
In other words, it’s about more than knowing what to do, it’s about being able to do it well, reliably, and with the patient’s best interests at the centre.
How is competence developed and maintained?
The GDC makes it clear that competence is not fixed, it’s something we build and sustain over time. This happens both before and after registration:
Pre-registration training
For those studying in the UK, competence is developed through dental school curricula, assessments, and structured training that align with the Standards for Education and the Safe Practitioner framework.
For internationally qualified dentists, the GDC ensures competence via examinations such as the ORE/LDS or through other assessment routes.Post-registration training
Once qualified, our professional growth continues in many forms. This might include:Specialty training (for dentists).
CPD courses with clear learning outcomes.
On-the-job training.
Mentorship, either giving or receiving.
Taking on new responsibilities under supervision.
Leadership or non-clinical skills training.
The guidance rightly highlights that not every course or training opportunity will make us competent to practise independently. For more complex skills, structured programmes with close supervision and formal assessment are essential.
How can competence be measured?
One of the most important points in the GDC’s guidance is that competence cannot be measured in a one-size-fits-all way. Instead, it involves:
Using professional judgement to reflect on your own readiness.
Seeking regular feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors.
Keeping thorough records of training, courses, and clinical experience – ideally linked to your Personal Development Plan (PDP).
The message is clear: competence is not something you declare on your own. It’s best demonstrated through a combination of self-reflection, external feedback, and documented evidence of your learning and experience.
Why this matters
This revised guidance is a timely reminder that being a safe, effective dental professional goes far beyond initial qualification. Patients, colleagues, and the wider profession rely on us not only to maintain our skills but to adapt and grow as dentistry evolves.
Whether you’re a student, a newly qualified associate, or a clinician with decades of experience, competence is a lifelong journey. And the tools the GDC suggests – structured education, mentorship, feedback, and careful reflection – are all there to help us along the way.
✅ Takeaway: Competence is about continuous development, reflection, and collaboration. By engaging in structured training, seeking feedback, and keeping clear records, you safeguard not only your professional standing but also the trust patients place in you.
Disclaimer: This blog is for advice and general guidance only. Regulations and requirements may change, and it is essential to check the General Dental Council (GDC) website and other relevant official sources for the latest updates and mandatory guidance.