UK Act of Parliament 1984 United Kingdom

Dentists Act 1984

An Act to consolidate the Dentists Acts 1957 to 1983, with an amendment to give effect to a recommendation of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.

Read the Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Enforced by
GDC
Status
Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling
Prosecution 4 of 47 obligations carry an unlimited fine. 2 carry different penalties and 41 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person10 Licence Holder1 Director or Officer1 Trader1

Plus 34 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Licence Holder — also bound by 225 other Acts
Director or Officer — also bound by 429 other Acts
Companies Act 2006 126 duties
Trader — also bound by 825 other Acts
Companies Act 2006 243 duties
Companies Act 1985 85 duties

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

The General Dental Council

4 of 7 sections shown
s.002 The Council’s duty to co-operate Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • General Dental Council must co-operate with employers and other regulatorsStatutory regulator
s.002 Annual reports, statistical reports and strategic plans Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must publish annual reports, statistics, and strategic plansStatutory regulator
s.002 Accounts Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must maintain, audit, and publish annual accountsStatutory regulator
s.002 Registration of members’ private interests Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must maintain and publish a register of members' private interestsStatutory regulator
3 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.001 Constitution and general duties of the Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.002 Committees of the Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.002 Complaints
Part 2

Dental Education

6 of 12 sections shown
s.004 Conduct of examinations for degrees and licences. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Universities and colleges must appoint and regulate boards of dental examinersAny Person
s.005 Holding of examinations and grant of licences by Royal College of Surgeons of England. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Royal College of Surgeons must hold dental exams and maintain licentiate listStatutory regulator
s.006 Requirements in relation to admission of candidates to examinations and grant of degrees and licences. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Dental authorities must admit qualified candidates to exams and degreesAny Person
s.007 Effect of grant of degree or licence in dentistry. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Do not claim to be a medical doctor or surgeon based on a dental degreeLicence Holder
s.008 Information to be furnished by dental authorities. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Dental authorities must provide information on courses and examinationsAny Person
s.011 Remedy where qualifying courses of study or examinations are inadequate. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must report inadequate dental training to the Privy CouncilStatutory regulator
6 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.003 Power of medical authorities to hold examinations and grant licences in dentistry. (opens in a new tab)
s.009 Supervision of instruction given by dental schools and post-graduate institutions. (opens in a new tab)
s.010 Supervision of examinations. (opens in a new tab)
s.012 Candidates not to be required to adopt or reject particular theories of dentistry. (opens in a new tab)
s.012 Degrees and licences in dentistry
s.013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (opens in a new tab)
Part 3

Professions Complementary to Dentistry

11 of 36 sections shown
s.036 Supplementary provisions as to necessary knowledge of English Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must publish and review guidance on English language requirementsStatutory regulator
s.036 Education and training for members of professions complementary to dentistry Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must set standards and approve qualifications for dental care professionalsStatutory regulator
s.036 Publication of the dental care professionals register Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must publish and maintain the dental care professionals registerStatutory regulator
s.036 Erasure of names of deceased persons and of those who have ceased to practise Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must maintain the dental care professionals registerStatutory regulator
s.036 Erasure on grounds of fraud or error Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must erase incorrect or fraudulent dental register entriesStatutory regulator
s.036 Use of titles and descriptions Prosecution
  • Use of unauthorized professional titles or qualificationsAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.036 Guidance Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must provide standards and conduct guidance for dental professionalsStatutory regulator
s.036 Information for specified state professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must provide registration and standards information to overseas dental professionalsStatutory regulator
s.036 The Investigating Committee Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Investigating Committee must investigate allegations and decide next actionStatutory regulator
s.036 The Practice Committees Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Practice Committees must investigate and determine fitness to practiseStatutory regulator
s.036 Recording of suspension or conditional registration etc. Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must update the register regarding suspensions and conditionsStatutory regulator
25 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.036 Professions complementary to dentistry
s.036 The dental care professionals register
s.036 Qualifications for registration
s.036 Requisite knowledge and skill: holders of relevant qualifications
s.036 Requisite knowledge and skill: recognition of relevant qualifications
s.036 Rules relating to the dental care professionals register
s.036 Applications by specified state professionals under section 36C
s.036 Fees
s.036 Registration appeals
s.036 Indemnity arrangements
s.036 Allegations
s.036 Delegation of the Investigating Committee’s functions under section 36O
s.036 Review of determination under section 36O(1)
s.036 Resumed hearings
s.036 Restoration of names to the dental care professionals register following erasure under section 36P
s.036 Appeals
s.036 Taking effect of directions for erasure, suspension, conditional registration etc.
s.036 Orders for immediate suspension and immediate conditional registration
s.036 Interim orders
s.036 Supplementary provisions relating to fitness to practise cases
s.036 The Council’s power to require disclosure of information
s.036 Limits on section 36Z1 as respects visiting dental care professionals
s.036 Professional training and development requirements
s.036 Restoration of names to the dental care professionals register: professional training and development
s.036 Visiting dental care professionals from relevant European States
Part 3

The Dental Profession

16 of 46 sections shown
s.015 Supplementary provisions as to the necessary knowledge of English Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must provide guidance on English language requirements for dentistsStatutory regulator
s.015 Section 15: further provision relating to specified state professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must specify and schedule qualification tests for certain dentistsStatutory regulator
s.018 Procedure for registration. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Register as a dentist with the General Dental CouncilAny Person
s.022 Publication of the register (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must make the dentists register available to the publicStatutory regulator
s.023 Erasure of names of deceased persons and of those who have ceased to practise. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must maintain the accuracy of the dentists registerStatutory regulator
s.024 Erasure on grounds of fraud or error (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must erase incorrect or fraudulent entries and handle restorationStatutory regulator
s.026 Use of titles and descriptions. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Use misleading professional titles or qualificationsAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.026 Guidance Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must publish and consult on standards for dentistsStatutory regulator
s.026 Information for specified state professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must provide information and handle enquiries for dental professionalsStatutory regulator
s.027 The Investigating Committee Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Investigating Committee must investigate and triage allegationsStatutory regulator
s.027 The Practice Committees Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Practice Committees must investigate and rule on fitness to practiseStatutory regulator
s.033 Recording of suspension or conditional registration etc. Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Registrar must update the register regarding dental fitness to practiseStatutory regulator
s.033 Notification and disclosure by the Council Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must notify employers and ministers of fitness to practise allegationsStatutory regulator
s.034 Professional training and development requirements Regulated
  • Complete required professional training and developmentAny Person
s.034 Restoration of name to the register: professional training and development Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must set training requirements for restoring dental registrationsStatutory regulator
s.035 Effect on registration of disqualification in a relevant European State. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must remove dentists disqualified in a relevant European StateStatutory regulator
30 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.014 The dentists register and the registrar (opens in a new tab)
s.015 Qualification for registration in the dentists register. (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Supplementary provisions as to registration of holders of overseas diplomas. (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Requisite knowledge and skill: holders of overseas diplomas
s.016 Requisite knowledge and skill: recognition of overseas diplomas
s.017 Temporary registration. (opens in a new tab)
s.019 Regulations with respect to the register. (opens in a new tab)
s.020 Selection of proper abbreviations of overseas diplomas. (opens in a new tab)
s.021 Notification of reasons for refusal of application for registration etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.021 Notification of results of application
s.025 Alteration of names and addresses. (opens in a new tab)
s.025 Registration appeals
s.026 Indemnity arrangements
s.027 Allegations (opens in a new tab)
s.027 Delegation of the Investigating Committee’s functions under section 27A
s.027 Review of determination under section 27A(1)
s.027 Resumed hearings
s.028 Restoration of names to the register following erasure under section 27B (opens in a new tab)
s.029 Appeals. (opens in a new tab)
s.029 Taking effect of directions for erasure, suspension, conditional registration etc.
s.030 Orders for immediate suspension and immediate conditional registration (opens in a new tab)
s.031 Special provisions where directions replace, or extend periods under, previous directions. (opens in a new tab)
s.032 Interim orders (opens in a new tab)
s.033 Supplementary provisions relating to fitness to practise cases (opens in a new tab)
s.033 The Council’s power to require disclosure of information
s.034 Restoration of name erased under s. 27. (opens in a new tab)
s.034 Limits on section 34A as respects visiting dentists from relevant European States
s.036 Visiting dentists from relevant European States. (opens in a new tab)
s.036 The Directive: designation of competent authority etc.
s.036 Fees for provision of certificates
Part 4

Restrictions on Practice of Dentistry and on Carrying on Business of Dentistry

5 of 12 sections shown
s.038 Prohibition on practice of dentistry by laymen. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Unlawfully practising dentistryAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.039 Prohibition on use of practitioners’ titles by laymen. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Use a protected dental title without registrationAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.041 Restriction on individuals. (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Carry on the business of dentistry while unregisteredAny Person

Unlimited fine

s.043 Directors of bodies corporate (opens in a new tab) Prosecution
  • Operate a dental business with unqualified directorsDirector or Officer

Unlimited fine

s.043 Provision of information and payment of fees by bodies corporate Regulated
  • Provide dental business information and pay fees to the GDCTrader
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.037 Definition of practice of dentistry. (opens in a new tab)
s.040 Definition of business of dentistry. (opens in a new tab)
s.042 Restriction on bodies corporate (opens in a new tab)
s.043 Financial penalties in relation to bodies corporate
s.044 Further financial penalties on bodies corporate (opens in a new tab)
s.044 Supplementary provisions relating to financial penalties under sections 43B and 44
s.044 Appeals relating to financial penalties
Part 5

Dental Auxiliaries

0 of 4 sections shown
4 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.045 Establishment by Council of classes of dental auxiliaries. (opens in a new tab)
s.046 Restrictions on employment of dental auxiliaries. (opens in a new tab)
s.047 Use of titles and descriptions. (opens in a new tab)
s.048 Functions of Dental Auxiliaries Committee. (opens in a new tab)
Part 6

Miscellaneous and Supplementary

0 of 13 sections shown
13 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.049 Termination of the 1927 Agreement with the Republic of Ireland. (opens in a new tab)
s.049 Advisers
s.050 Evidence etc. in certain proceedings under this Act. (opens in a new tab)
s.050 Service of notifications
s.050 Publication of information
s.050 Rules
s.050 Rules: consultation requirements
s.051 Exercise of powers conferred on Privy Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.052 Regulations and other documents. (opens in a new tab)
s.053 Interpretation. (opens in a new tab)
s.054 Consequential amendments, repeals and revocations. (opens in a new tab)
s.055 Commencement, transitional provisions and savings. (opens in a new tab)
s.056 Short title and extent. (opens in a new tab)
Schedules

Schedules

5 of 106 shown
s.001 The Council and Committees of the Council: Supplementary Provisions (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must manage its Council and committees according to statutory rulesStatutory regulator
s.sch002a Registration appeals: dentists register Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must notify applicants of appealable registration decisionsStatutory regulator
s.sch003 Proceedings before the Investigating Committee, the Interim Orders Committee and Practice Committees: dentists (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Committees must follow fair procedures during fitness to practise hearingsStatutory regulator
s.sch004b Proceedings before the Investigating Committee, the Interim Orders Committee and Practice Committees: dental care professionals Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC Committees must follow fair procedures in dental professional casesStatutory regulator
s.sch004c Advisers Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • GDC must appoint legal, medical and professional advisersStatutory regulator
101 other schedules
s.002 European Dental Qualifications (opens in a new tab)
s.004 VISITING DENTISTS FROM RELEVANT EUROPEAN STATES (opens in a new tab)
s.005 Consequential Amendments (opens in a new tab)
s.006 Repeals and Revocations (opens in a new tab)
s.007 Transitional Provisions and Savings (opens in a new tab)
s.sch001 (1) The Council shall consist of— (a) members who are...
s.sch001 Schedule 1 para.10
s.sch001 Schedule 1 para.11
s.sch001 Schedule 1 para.12
s.sch001 (1) The Council shall consist of— (a) registrant members, that...
s.sch001 (1) An order under section 1(2A) shall include provision with...
s.sch001 (1) An order of the Privy Council made under section...
s.sch001 (1) This paragraph applies if, under section 187 of the...
s.sch001 (1) An order of the Privy Council made under section...
s.sch001 (1) The members of the Council shall elect one of...
s.sch001 Schedule 1 para.5
s.sch001 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this Part of...
s.sch001 (1) Subject to section 43B(13) and section 44(12), the Council...
s.sch001 (1) The Council may make rules— (a) . . ....
s.sch001 (1) Subject to any provision made by this Act or...
s.sch001 Schedule 1 para.9
s.sch002 A medical qualification awarded in Slovakia or in the former...
s.sch002 A diploma listed in Annex V, point 5.3.2 of the...
s.sch002 A diploma granted in a relevant European State on or...
s.sch002 A diploma granted in a relevant European State before the...
s.sch002 A medical qualification awarded in Austria, Italy, Romania or Spain...
s.sch002 (1) A medical qualification awarded in Italy to a person...
s.sch002 A medical qualification as a doctor awarded in Spain to...
s.sch002 A diploma in dentistry which is evidence of training commenced...
s.sch002 (1) A diploma in dentistry which— (a) is evidence of...
s.sch002 A medical qualification awarded in the Czech Republic or in...
s.sch002a In this Schedule— “appealable registration decision” shall be construed in...
s.sch002a (1) The following decisions are appealable registration decisions for the...
s.sch002a Notification of appealable registration decisions
s.sch002a Appeals from an appealable registration decision
s.sch002a Extension of time for appealing
s.sch002a Appeals from the Registration Appeals Committee
s.sch003 Definitions
s.sch003 Rules relating to procedure
s.sch003 Evidence etc.
s.sch003 (1) For the purpose of proceedings under Part 3 of...
s.sch003 Where the proceedings relate to a person’s conduct, and that...
s.sch003 Costs
s.sch003 Reference of cases to the registrar or a different Committee
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch003a CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES
s.sch004 Application and interpretation
s.sch004 In this Schedule— (a) a “visiting practitioner” means an exempt...
s.sch004 Registration in respect of provision of occasional dental services
s.sch004 Entitlement to provide occasional dental services: first year
s.sch004 First provision of services: required documents
s.sch004 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), the evidence referred to in...
s.sch004 Entitlement to provide occasional dental services after first year: renewals
s.sch004 Duration of entitlement to provide occasional dental services
s.sch004 Conditions
s.sch004a Registration appeals: dental care professionals register
s.sch004a In this Schedule— “appealable registration decision” shall be construed in...
s.sch004a (1) The following decisions are appealable registration decisions for the...
s.sch004a Notification of appealable registration decisions
s.sch004a Appeals from an appealable registration decision
s.sch004a Extension of time for appealing
s.sch004a Appeals from the Registration Appeals Committee
s.sch004b Definitions
s.sch004b Rules relating to procedure
s.sch004b Evidence etc.
s.sch004b (1) For the purpose of proceedings under Part 3A of...
s.sch004b Where the proceedings relate to a person’s conduct, and that...
s.sch004b Costs
s.sch004b Reference of cases to the registrar or a different Committee
s.sch004c Legal advisers
s.sch004c Medical advisers
s.sch004c Professional advisers
s.sch004za DIRECTIVE 2005/36: FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 36ZA(3)
s.sch005 Consequential Amendments
s.sch005 Consequential Amendments
s.sch005 In section 25(4) (added by section 16 of the Health...
s.sch005 In section 108(1), in the definition of “dental practitioner”, for...
s.sch005 In paragraph 6A of Schedule 1 (inserted by the said...
s.sch005 In paragraph 4 of Schedule 6, for “Articles 2(d) and”...
s.sch005 Consequential Amendments
s.sch005 In section 132(1), in the definition of “dentist”, for the...
s.sch005 In section 37(1), in the definition of “dentist”, for the...
s.sch005 In section 11(2), in the definition of “dentist”, for the...
s.sch005 In Article 2(2), in the definition of “dental practitioner”, for...
s.sch005 In paragraph 3 of Schedule 4, for “1957” substitute “1984”....
s.sch005 In paragraph 3 of Schedule 1, for “1957” substitute “...
s.sch005 In section 35(3) (added by section 15 of the Health...
s.sch007 Where a period of time specified in an enactment repealed...
s.sch007 The reference in section 52(2) of this Act to any...
s.sch007 Any election or nomination held or made before the commencement...
s.sch007 (1) Nothing in the repeals made by this Act shall...
s.sch007 (1) In any enactment or instrument passed or made before...
s.sch007 For the purpose of the hearing and determination of any...
s.sch007 For the purposes of— (a) any case referred to the...
s.sch007 Any rules made by the Council before the commencement of...
s.sch007 Except in the case of a body corporate which—
s.sch007 (1) Any reference in section 41(2) or 44 of this...

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