# What is the GDC (General Dental Council)?

Source: https://thelocaldentist.co.uk/answers/what-is-the-gdc/
Updated: 2026-07-13

## Quick answer

The General Dental Council (GDC) is the UK-wide regulator for dental professionals. It registers around 120,000 dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, orthodontic therapists, technicians, and clinical dental technicians, sets professional standards, and can strike off those who fail them. Anyone can check the register free at gdc-uk.org.

## Key facts

- UK-wide regulator of dental professionals — around 120,000 registrants
- Covers all seven professional groups, from dentists to dental technicians
- Free public register lookup: gdc-uk.org → 'Search the register'
- Practising dentistry unregistered is a criminal offence
- Enforces the law on tooth whitening — dentistry, so GDC registrants only
- Regulates people; practices are regulated separately (CQC in England)

Editorial content from The Local Dentist — not clinical advice.