Statement on the future of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)

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) announce today 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. During that time 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 a 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.

Notes to editors

About FGDP(UK)

The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) is the only professional membership body in the UK specifically for general dental practitioners and dental care professionals. It aims to improve the standard of care delivered to patients through standard setting, publications, postgraduate training and assessment, education and research. The Faculty works in close partnership with the Faculty of Dental Surgery, the professional body representing dental surgeons, and has close ties to the other Royal Colleges and other leading bodies in dentistry and wider healthcare.

About RCS and FDS

The Royal College of Surgeons is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care. The Faculty of Dental Surgery, founded in 1947 and with over 5,500 fellows and members, is a professional body committed to enabling specialist dental surgeons to achieve and maintain excellence in practice and patient care.