College of General Dentistry

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The College of General Dentistry is a professional body based in the United Kingdom [1] operating since 2021. [2] It provides a professional home for the whole dental team working in primary dental care and wider oral health services. [2]

Contents

The college publishes the Primary Dental Journal . [3]

Purpose

The College is a membership organisation and professional body, open to all Registered members of the dental team (Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Technicians, Clinical Dental Technicians, Orthodontic Therapists and Dental Nurses), and initially comprised members of the former Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP(UK)). [4]

The College sets clinical and other standards for dental practice, provides career pathways and provides a community of professional practice. Its aims are to foster public confidence and high standards in oral healthcare. [4]

Formation

The College was activated on 1 July 2021 upon the transfer of the membership and the standard-setting role of the former Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) from the Royal College of Surgeons. [2] The College realises the long-held ambition of many in the profession for an independent collegiate body, of comparable standing to the healthcare-related Royal Colleges. [4]

Following the decision to transfer by the Board of FGDP(UK), Prof Sir Nairn Wilson was invited to lead the development of the College. [2]

Standards & Guidance

The College publishes a number of standard-setting documents, which are widely recognised in the UK and internationally as providing an authoritative, consensus reference on good clinical practice in dentistry. [5]

Standards & guidance publications of the College of General Dentistry (previously FGDP(UK)
TitleEditionDate
An introduction to research for primary dental care clinicians12010
Antimicrobial prescribing in dentistry32020
Clinical examination & record-keeping32016
Dementia-friendly dentistry12017
Guidance notes for dental practitioners on the safe use of X-ray equipment22020
Implications of COVID-19 for the safe management of general dental practice12020
Mentoring in implant dentistry 12022
Selection criteria for dental radiography 32018
Standards in Dentistry22018
Training standards in implant dentistry12016

Constitution

The College is a Charity registered in England & Wales (Charity No.1002769). [6] It is governed by an appointed Board of Trustees which delegates professional leadership to an elected Council. [7]

Arms

Coat of arms of College of General Dentistry
College of General Dentistry Escutcheon.png
Notes
Granted 4 March 2025. [8] [9] [10]
Crest
A demi-Opinicus wings elevated and addorsed Azure armed Or resting the dexter paw on a pearl Proper.
Escutcheon
Azure a pelican in her piety Or the blood Gules on a chief Or three serpents nowed Azure.
Motto
Sanitate Oris Venit Fortitudo
Badge
An Opinicus rampant wings elevated and addorsed Azure armed Or holding between the forepaws a pearl Proper.

References

  1. "The vision". cgdent.uk. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Historic day for new College of General Dentistry". Nature . 8 (7): 7. 2021-07-16. doi: 10.1038/s41407-021-0701-1 . S2CID   243408557.
  3. "Primary Dental Journal". cgdent.uk. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  4. 1 2 3 Wilson, Nairn. "College of General Dentistry: An historic development".
  5. "Standards & Guidance". College of General Dentistry. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  6. "College of General Dentistry". Charity Commission Register of Charities. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  7. "Governance". College of General Dentistry. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  8. "Newsletter No. 78". College of Arms. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  9. "College granted Arms". College of General Dentistry. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
  10. "Grant of Arms – text". College of General Dentistry. 29 May 2025. Retrieved 30 May 2025.