The list of fellowships which qualify applicants for Fellowship of the College by means of equivalence has been amended.
A year after the College first published Fellowship criteria, a review carried out on behalf of the College Council examined the assessment procedures and required training in relation to those qualifications already deemed equivalent, as well as to a number of additional overseas qualifications.
Fellows of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCDC) and the College of Dentistry of South Africa (FCD(SA)), and dentists who have been Board Certified by the American Board of General Dentistry, are all now eligible for Fellowship of CGDent by equivalence.
These are in addition to Fellows of the former Faculty of General Dental Practice UK (FFGDP(UK)); of the Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland, their Faculties of Dental Surgery (FDS) or Dentistry (FFD); and of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS), all of whom were already deemed to be of equivalent standing.
Honorary Fellows of the College (FCGDent(Hon.)) or former Faculty (FFGDP(UK)(Hon.)) who meet the College’s standard membership requirements may also be admitted to full Fellowship by equivalence.
However, Fellowship of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry will no longer be accepted for College Fellowship applications by means of equivalence; but since it is still considered a robust assessment of skills in implant dentistry, it has been added to the list of ‘gateway’ qualifications which provide automatic satisfaction of the Clinical domain for Fellowship applications by means of experience.
The criteria for automatic eligibility for Life Fellowship of the College have been similarly adjusted in light of the review.
Qualifications deemed equivalent will continue to be reviewed periodically, and additional qualifications may be determined to be equivalent over time.
Full details of the requirements for Fellowship are available via the link below.
The College has introduced Life Fellowship as a new type of membership for retired Fellows.
It is intended that Life Fellowship will make a greatly appreciated contribution to the mission of the College, elevating the standing of dentistry amongst other healthcare disciplines and helping to take the College on its way to Royal College standing.
It provides an opportunity for retired Fellows, and others whose careers meet the requirements of Fellowship, to make a life-long commitment to the College, to stay connected to the profession, and to retain the recognition earned during their careers throughout their retirement.
Life Fellows will enjoy all the usual benefits of retired membership, and the additional benefits of fellowship, for life. These include eligibility to attend the College’s regular Fellows’ Receptions, to join the 1992 Circle, and to continue to use their Fellowship post-nominals.
“The more Life Fellows, the stronger the College.”
Prof Sir Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent, President Emeritus of the College
Life Fellows must be at least 65 years old and fully retired from dentistry – i.e. no longer practising and no longer registered with the General Dental Council or any equivalent overseas regulatory or licensing body – and must remain in good standing within the profession.
Subject to these requirements, eligibility for Life Fellowship is automatic for current or former Fellows of the:
College of General Dentistry (FCGDent or FCGDent(Hon.))
former Faculty of General Dental Practice (FFGDP(UK) or FFGDP(UK)(Hon.))
Faculties of Dental Surgery (FDS) or Dentistry (FFD) of the Royal Colleges of the UK or Ireland
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS)
Additional eligibility criteria are expected to be announced soon.
All other retired dental professionals are also encouraged to apply for Life Fellowship if their career history meets the required standards of Fellowship. A Life Membership option is also being developed.
The one-off fee for Life Fellowship is £2,500 for dentists, £1,700 for dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists, and £850 for dental nurses.
As the College is a registered charity, the fee may be treated as a donation, in which case if the individual approves Gift Aid they may claim income tax relief on the difference between their marginal rate and the basic rate (and in some circumstances the effective cost may be further reduced). As Life Fellows will also no longer need to manage or pay annually for retired fellowship, they are also immune from future fee increases.
In a recent interview, Alasdair Miller FCGDent, one of the College’s first Life Fellows, expressed his hope that all retired Fellows will consider Life Fellowship as a way of supporting the growth and prosperity of the College.
If you are interested in becoming a Life Fellow, please contact Sir Nairn Wilson, Honorary Founding President, at [email protected]
This article was originally published on 27 April 2023. It was updated on 21 June 2023 to include Life Fellowship fees for dental professionals other than dentists, to reflect the College Council’s intention no longer to recognise Fellowship of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry as providing automatic eligibility for College Fellowship, and to add a link to the interview with Alasdair Miller FCGDent.
Alasdair Miller FCGDent talks to Nairn Wilson CBE about becoming one of the first Life Fellows of the College.
Alasdair Miller FCGDent (left) and Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent (right)
Nairn: Alasdair, first and foremost congratulations on becoming a Life Fellow of the College. A few questions, if I may; firstly, what do you hope to contribute to the College as a Life Fellow and member of the 1992 Circle?
Alasdair: I was attracted to the College as its career pathway seemed ideally suited to a practitioner’s working life and rather mirrored my less structured career development with life-long learning at its heart. I have been very fortunate in my career and becoming a Life Fellow and member of the 1992 Circle allows me to stay in touch and continue to contribute. I have assisted with the development of the College’s Certified Membership scheme, based on my experiences as Programme Director of Bristol University’s Open Learning for Dentists and updating the arrangements for Certified Membership Facilitators. Life Fellowship was a logical progression for me: FFGDP to FCGDent to Life Fellow, to support the College as it develops and give something back.
NW: Growth in the number of retired and, in particular, Life Fellows would be a great boon for the College. Why should retired colleagues eligible for FCGDent ‘By Equivalence’ or ‘By Experience’, who are not yet members of the CGDent, consider joining the College?
AM: I have always enjoyed the collegiate nature of the profession and company of colleagues. The College, specifically the 1992 Circle provides a ‘home’ for like-minded retired colleagues who wish to stay connected and involved in the profession, albeit they are no longer practising. Fellowship of the College ‘By Equivalence’ or ‘By Experience’ allows retired colleagues to have their professional experience and achievements recognised and valued, with opportunity, amongst other things, to support young colleagues and put something back into the profession.
NW: What message would you like to send to existing retired Fellows of the College to encourage them to become Life Fellows?
AM: If one is retired and a Fellow, I would ask: What’s stopping you becoming a Life Fellow? In so doing, you provide invaluable support to the fledgling College, helping it to grow and prosper to become the Royal College all Fellows wish it to become.
NW: Is it a strength of the College that all members may aspire to becoming a Life Fellow in retirement?
AM: Yes, it is a strength, specifically as it applies to all members of the dental team. While becoming a Life Fellow in retirement is a personal choice, I hope that all retired Fellows, present and future will consider it a way of enabling the College to continue to grow and prosper.
NW: Finally, as one of the College’s first Life Fellows, what would you most like the College to achieve as it continues to grow and prosper?
AM: I hope the College’s Career Pathway will be valued by the profession and as many practitioners as possible travel up it and become Fellows. Having a structured plan for professional development that is customised to one’s own aspirations and circumstances is unique. The Pathway is a way to have your career development recognised and validated, whilst at the same time acquiring skills and knowledge in areas of interest that support a member’s professional aspirations. It encourages continuous improvement for the benefit of patients, the profession and the professional. I anticipate the College developing programmes that enable College members and others to meet the challenges of modern practice life. In the process, it is to be hoped that the College will be granted a Royal Charter.
NW: Alisdair, many thanks for your insightful views and comments. It is most encouraging and reassuring to know that the College will be able to avail itself of your wisdom and wise counsel during your lifetime. Thank you on behalf of the College for your commitment and most generous support. Enjoy being a Life Fellow.
Subject to being 65 or over and no longer registered with the GDC or an equivalent body, eligibility for Life Fellowship of the College is automatic for retired former Fellows of the FGDP, and for retired current or former Fellows of CGDent, the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry or any of the faculties of dental surgery or dentistry of the Royal Colleges of the UK or Ireland. Retired colleagues from across the spectrum of oral healthcare who satisfy the criteria for Fellowship are also encouraged to apply.Further information is available here.
Nairn Wilson is President Emeritus of the College. Those interested in becoming a Life Fellow are invited to contact him at [email protected]
Voting is now open for the South East and South West Thames seat on the Council of the College of General Dentistry, and eligible members are encouraged to cast their ballot.
Four candidates are standing, and Full Members, Associate Fellows and Fellows of the College who have registered an address with the College which is within its South East and South West Thames region are entitled to vote.
The Council is the voice of our members, overseeing our role as a professional body and guiding the development of the College to fulfil its mission. Council members serve three-year terms and elections are held annually on a rotational basis. The elected candidate for the South East and South West Thames region is due to serve from June 2023 – June 2026.
The candidates are listed alphabetically by surname below, together with their election statements, and the deadline to vote is 2359 on Friday 26 May 2023.
All eligible members as of 17 March 2023 have been sent an email by the College’s election services provider, Mi-Voice, to the email address which the member has registered with the College. This contains the unique link/details they will need to cast their ballot online.
Please ensure that your membership of CGDent remains up to date before you vote, otherwise your vote might not count. The CGDent Member Register displays a list of all current Full Members, Associate Fellows and Fellows, together with their College region.
Each member’s allocated region is determined by the postal address they have registered with the College. This must be where the member either lives or works, and will be where their copies of the Primary Dental Journal and all other physical correspondence is sent. Your registered address can be updated in My Account following any change of location. A map of the College’s regions is here.
Please contact us at [email protected] if you think you are a Full Member, Associate Fellow or Fellow of the College but cannot find yourself on the Member Register, or if any of your listed details are incorrect.
If you need to renew your membership, you can do this easily online here.
If you are an Associate Member considering upgrading your membership in order to vote, or a non-member considering joining in order to do so, you will need to allow 1-2 weeks for the process to complete and for your unique voting details to be issued to you. Late votes will not be counted.
Following the election, the results will be announced on Wednesday 31 May 2023.
If you are an eligible member but cannot find the email from Mi-Voice inviting you to vote in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder, and if necessary double-check the email account you have registered with the College by logging in athttps://cgdent.uk/my-account.
If you experience any technical difficulties submitting your vote(s), please contact Mi-Voice at [email protected] or on 02380 763987.
Candidates for the South East and South West Thames seat
Anthony Bendkowski
“I enjoy working as a part of a team contributing both experience and humour. I have a proven ability in bringing teams together so that they can achieve more together than they could individually.”
Candidate statements
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.
Qualifying in 1983 from University College Hospital Dental School, based in the South-East for all of my working life. I am a specialist oral surgeon and have worked in all sectors including general practice, community service, hospital, university and a long standing commitment as chair of our local dental committee. I run an 8 surgery general and specialist practice in South-East London and an implant referral practice in Maidstone.
I have a strong interest in developing pathways for lifelong education and training. I believe that primary care is the home of a high quality patient journey and is the environment for each member of the dental team to develop a fulfilling career.
For me, the College of General Dentistry is the new voice for our profession in primary care. I want to help this voice to be heard clearly for the future with all the many challenges that face us.
Why did you decide to stand for election?
I have decided to stand because I believe that the profession is facing many challenges for the future including recruitment, over-regulation, litigation, underfunding and the prevailing economic situation. I want to help and support the College to be heard as the cohesive and authoritative voice of our profession and to overcome these challenges.
What are your ambitions for the organisation?
For the College to expand its membership and to take its rightful place at the table representing our profession at all levels.
For the college to become the home of a comprehensive pathway of training ,education and qualifications for the dental team.
Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
Commitment to practice based research – participating in two ongoing multicentre clinical studies in implantology.
Various research and professional publications over many years.
Ongoing commitment to lifelong training and education.
Chair of Greenwich and Bexley LDC for over 15 years.
Past President of Association of Dental Implantology. Organised national conferences and study clubs. Contributed to development of implant training standards guidance with GDC and FGDP.
Lecturer for Brighton and Sussex Medical School Implantology postgraduate program – helped to develop and implement the program.
Board member of PEERS DentsplySirona Implantology Training and Education Group help to organise national meetings.
Lecture extensively both nationally and internationally.
Member of Faculty of Surgical Trainers (RCS Ed).
Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons (London).
I am an active airshow/display pilot and own and fly a pair of vintage aircraft in a display team.
Ivy Glavee
“To make a difference and create a structure, process and outcome as well as offer innovative solutions to the needs of the organisation and encourage skillmix to address the shortage of dental health care professionals in areas that need them. To implement an Oral health programme to address high decay.”
Candidate statements
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.
I am a Mentor, Poet, Teacher, Visionary and Author of the book Positive Work Life Balance – how to transform from tired individual to happy, empowered and fulfilled individual using top tips listed as part of toolkit. I am also an Innovative Dental Surgeon. My philosophy of life is to make a difference which becomes a ripple effect to inspire the next generation.
Why did you decide to stand for election?
I wish to use my experiences to make a difference and contribute.
What are your ambitions for the organisation?
My ambitions for the organisation is twofold. First things first is to identify the needs and offer innovative solutions.
Secondly to create an educational training pathway to help others, encourage skill mix and parent focus groups using the time of sugar rationing as inspiration for the KAB model. (Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour).
Finally to create a structure, process and outcome that can be evaluated to find out what worked, what did not work and how best to improve.
Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
Writing articles on Positive Work Life Balance and published
Creating courses and presenting
Organising a conference with an organisation and being a presenter
Taking part in Artificial Intelligence versus Corona Hackathon with data scientists and our team winning first prize
Taking part in leadership landscape
Taking part in collection of thoughts regards COVID 19 impact and published
Participant in research workshop on tackling differential attainment in the medical profession and report published
Being asked to produce a white paper on staff wellbeing in the workplace
I can teach
Having participated in leadership programmes (BEL leadership program and Advanced Dental Leadership)
Roshni Karia
“‘A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.’ (Colin Powell). I would be humbled to continue the hard work and commitment I have already made and I kindly request your support in accelerating not just a vision but making this an absolute reality.”
Candidate statements
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.
My vision has always been to help develop an environment that promotes clinical excellence and confidence whilst supporting peer learning and collaboration as it is here where I believe we thrive the most.
With this in mind, in 2015 I applied and was subsequently appointed an Early Careers Representative (FGDP UK). In 2017, I was elected to represent the South East and South West Thames Region and re-elected as a member of the College Council (2020-23).
During my time, I have held various chairs and was elected Junior Vice Dean (FGDP(UK) 2019-2020) and Senior Vice President (CGDent 2021-2022). I have remained a member of the President’s (Past Dean’s) Executive since 2017 with a central focus on developing Career Pathways for all members of the Oral Healthcare team. Having qualified from King’s College London (2010) I am a General Dental Practitioner and an undergraduate clinical tutor (Periodontology), King’s College London.
Why did you decide to stand for election?
I set out with a firm vision; for each member to confidently and freely serve our community, with the reassurance that they are supported by a strong clinical backbone; guiding and fostering excellence so that we can all strive to achieve our best. Therefore, over the years I have worked tirelessly; especially in developing the Career Pathways and Chairing the Certified Membership Scheme. This has enabled phase one of this brand-new scheme to launch early in 2023, aimed at providing all members of the oral healthcare team an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and navigate their personal career journey with flexibility, structure and support.
Having started this journey, I am resolute in developing this so we can continue in ‘Setting Standards and ‘Supporting Careers’. I am determined to support the College’s ambition for Royal Charter as it is here, we can nurture these values and strengthen our professional community.
What are your ambitions for the organisation?
I am now looking forward to building on the progress made to embed a Career Pathway for all members of the Oral Healthcare Team. I have always believed in a professional environment driven by high quality and ethics, however, the environment in which this is learnt and thereafter delivered should be conducive in which to do so. Our profession requires support, refreshed confidence and synergy to be able to do this. As a College, we must rebuild bridges and celebrate peer support with fully supported professional development, so we can all make much more strategic decisions about our careers.
I believe it is absolutely necessary for the College to respond to the contemporary needs of all of our members and pursue our Royal Charter so we can now have an independent, yet cohesive voice and that Dentistry becomes central to mainstream Healthcare; working together at the forefront of clinical excellence.
Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
Participation within roles as:
• Elected Board and Council Member (FGDP (UK) and CGDent) (2017-2023)
• Past Vice Dean 2019-20, Past Senior Vice President 2021-22
• Chair: Certified Membership Scheme Programme Board and Professional Affairs Committee.
• Past Chair: Membership Affairs and Careers and Training Committees.
• Member: Career Pathways Programme Board
• Member: Forward Planning Group for COVID-19
• Successful completion of Healthcare Leadership Academy Scholarship Programme (2020-21)
• Completed (awaiting results) PGCert in Clinical Practice Management and Education (2022)
• Fellow: Higher Education Academy
With these professional commitments, alongside investing in my own personal development I believe I have a broad understanding of the work undertaken and now required to progress as an authoritative organisation for the Dental Profession with an aspiration for Royal Charter.
The experiences and networks I have built have helped to shape me and have equipped me with the skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Council.
Ian Kerr
“I believe I can bring my passion, my focus, my leadership qualities, and my organisational skills all of which can be used to further the cause of the College.”
Candidate statements
Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your professional and personal interests.
I qualified from Newcastle Dental School in 1989 and have worked full-time in dentistry ever since.
I have worked in both the NHS and Private primary care and at King’s Dental Hospital and Kent and Canterbury.
I have completed an MSc, with distinction, in Advanced Specialist Healthcare and an LLM by research I have also completed a diploma in Restorative and Aesthetic dentistry, a Pg Cert in Implantology, a Pg Cert in civil law expert witness work, and a Pg Cert in Risk Mitigation.
I have developed an interest in dento-legal work and am active in this field as an expert witness.
Outside of dentistry, I have enjoyed rugby, martial arts, and boxing along with endurance events such as triathlon and a half iron man. I now limit my activities to sea swimming and training in the boxing gym without the need to ever let anyone hit me again!
Why did you decide to stand for election?
I feel that the college is a step in the right direction for dentistry and believe that a key lesson learned from the COVID crisis was that dentistry is in urgent need of a Royal College if it wishes to have a stronger voice at the highest levels. This is a process that I would like to be part of and want to offer whatever support I can.
What are your ambitions for the organisation?
I would like the college to become a Royal College and to have the full backing and support of the profession who would see it as the primary authoritative voice within dentistry.
Give some examples from your professional or personal life that show you have the right skill set to make a contribution to the work of the Council.
My organisational skills have been used in organising an expert witness group into a significant body within the field of Expert Witnessing in dento-legal matters, now with over 80 participants.
I have successfully run a multi-surgery private practice for 18 years, having started it from a squat.
From my student years as President of the Society to my rugby days as Club Captain in two of the four clubs I played for and as the founding partner of my dental practice, I have always tended to take positions of leadership when I felt it was an area that I could add value to.
REMINDERS:
VOTES SHOULD BE CAST THROUGH THE UNIQUE LINK SENT TO ELIGIBLE MEMBERS BY MI-VOICE BY EMAIL
Elections are due to be held for a number of seats on the Council of the College, and all eligible members are invited to consider standing.
As the College embarks on its third full year of operation – summaries of our achievements in our first two years are available here and here – these are exciting times in its development, and this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and contribute at a national level.
The Council is the voice of our members. It oversees our role as a professional body and guides the Trustee Board on the development of the College to fulfil its mission.
As a Council member, you would provide leadership, strategic input and direction in all the professional affairs of the College. You would be helping to shape key moments in the College’s growth and could also get involved in specific initiatives on areas such as careers, policy and standards. A full role description is linked below.
Elections are taking place this year for the following seats:
South and North Wales
North East and North West Thames
South East and South West Thames
Northern Ireland
Time commitment
If successfully elected, you would serve a three-year term, from June 2023 – June 2026, during which you would be expected to attend three Council meetings each year (currently one face-to-face and two online, all typically on a Friday morning), as well as other potential occasional online meetings and committees (normally outside of business hours).
Your first Council meeting would be on Friday 16 June 2023 in London.
You would also be expected to vote, and eligible to stand, in the annual election of two Vice Presidents, and in the triennial election of a College President, and would be encouraged to attend our bi-annual Fellows Receptions and other face-to-face College events.
You would be able to stand for re-election in 2026, and individuals may serve up to three elected terms (i.e. nine years) on the Council.
Eligibility
All Full Members, Associate Fellows and Fellows of the College, regardless of their team role, are eligible to nominate themselves for election providing they meet the criteria for the relevant seat(s):
Candidates for regional seats must live or work within that region, and be registered with that region with CGDent
If you are an Associate Member considering upgrading your membership in order to stand for election, or to vote, or a non-member considering joining, you will need to allow at least two weeks ahead of the relevant date(s) below for this process to complete.
Interested?
All eligible members as of 17 March 2023 have been emailed a link to the nominations website by the College’s election services provider, Mi-Voice.
If you are interested in standing for election, please complete the nomination process via that link, where you will be asked for further information, and to submit an election statement.
You will also be required to provide the names of two supporters of your application, each of whom must themselves be a Full Member, Associate Fellow or Fellow of the College. If you are unsure of the membership status of potential supporters, please consult our Member Register.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS IS 23:59 ON SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023
Key Dates
Nominations close at 23:59 on Sunday 16 April 2023
The deadline for receipt of referee support is 12:00 on Wednesday 19 April 2023
Voting will open during week commencing Monday 24 April 2023
Voting will close on Friday 26 May 2023
Results will be announced on Wednesday 31 May 2023
If you think you might like to put yourself forward as a candidate and wanted further information, we would be pleased to have a confidential discussion and answer any questions about the role and the process. Please get in touch via [email protected](please note you would not receive a call back before Monday 3 April 2023).
A map showing the regions covered by the regional seats of the College can be downloaded here. If you are unsure which CGDent region you are in, contact us via [email protected]
The role is voluntary, but we do cover essential expenses.
Technical problems
If you experience technical difficulties submitting your nomination, please contact Mi-Voice by emailing [email protected] or calling 02380 763987.
.Janet Clarke MBE FCGDent, Chair of Trustees, reviews the College’s achievements over the last twelve months.
The transfer of FGDP to the College of General Dentistry in July and August of 2021 was not the end of a process, but just the beginning for the new organisation…
The first few months were dominated by the immense task for the small staff team, of building the necessary infrastructure to support our members and embark on the broader mission that we have set for ourselves. That work continued into 2022 – not just in building a College for the future, but re-thinking our role as an independent professional body, in the modern, post-pandemic world.
The most significant keystone for the College’s future will undoubtedly prove to be the Career Pathways that we have been developing in this time, culminating in the publication of the underpinning Professional Framework in June. So why is this quite so significant?
Dentistry, alongside so many other healthcare professions, faces immense challenges in attracting and retaining the talented people that will define the character of the profession for a generation, and inspiring the best from them. Yet dentistry in the UK faces a greater challenge than other healthcare professions, in lacking the structure and support of a national structure for progression, outside the Specialist Dentist pathway. Our Career Pathways provide a concrete, but adaptable framework, across the entire dental team, upon which we and others can now build the opportunities and recognition that dental professionals crave. It starts with College membership: we now have a clear point of reference for defining the ways in which your membership can reflect your capabilities and experience in dentistry.
Early this year (2023) we opened our Certified Membership scheme to a first group of candidates: a modern approach in supporting dental professionals to find their way and build a career in a fast-moving and confusing world. A chance to fully recognise their commitment and capability. It has been gratifying to see the immense level of interest in Certified Membership across so many organisations that are grappling with the workforce challenges we have been working to address, including regulators, policy makers, and dental corporates.
In April 2022, we launched our new Fellowship by experience, bringing new opportunity for highly accomplished dental practitioners, across our community, to be recognised. We have been delighted with the response, with a significant number submitting applications. The eligibility criteria are being further developed to embrace the great diversity of senior professionals. Feedback has been so positive: at last, we are told, their work can be properly acknowledged.
The College aims to build an authoritative community of leadership in dentistry, enabling the professional team to engage constructively with the challenges for all. In January, we hosted our first Fellows’ Winter Reception in Manchester, to complement the Summer Reception which has attracted an impressive group in the past two years. This is an inspiring occasion in itself; but important, too, in our ambitions to attract active support from those with the influence to make a positive difference in dentistry – harnessing their energy in a common cause. In the same vein, we also hosted our first meeting of the 1992 Circle in Manchester: nurturing the community of outstanding dental professionals in retirement, many of whom have so much more to give to support the profession that has been central to their lives. 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of the foundation of FGDP, and the 1992 Circle celebrates that anniversary in its title, providing the opportunity to reflect on all that the Faculty achieved, and inspiring us in our continuing mission today.
CGDent is now the authoritative body for standards in dentistry, building on the highly respected work of FGDP and reflecting our commitment to setting standards, supporting careers. We continue to revise and update our standards to serve the profession, but also to extend into other areas where we see a need to support the profession. In 2022, we published our Implant Dentistry Mentoring Guidelines, and plan to do more in the arena of implant dentistry in 2023.
One of the major areas of interest for FGDP under Ian Mills’ leadership was diversity in the profession, and we have continued that work in CGDent. Most notably, we are pleased to host the Diversity in Dentistry Action Group, previously hosted by the CDO for England. We have hosted a number of important webinars on the subject, all of which are available to members online.
We have continued the FGDP partnership with Dental Protection to offer a significant discount for Full Members, Associate Fellows and Fellows – but now, with our wider remit, we are delighted that Dental Protection have been able to extend their offer to all dental professionals. All our work aims to address the needs of the whole team, and this is a welcome step in line with our overall philosophy and mission.
Twelve months after the opening of the College for business, we were pleased to publish a special issue of the Primary Dental Journal to mark our own special anniversary: a year since the activation of CGDent. The journal continues to thrive, with a number of notable issues in this past year. The number of high-quality articles submitted to the journal has also increased, as illustrated by the special back-to-back “general issues” that were published in 2022.
Your College depends on the support of its members. These are historic times, as we seek to fulfil the long-held ambition in dentistry for our own Royal College, but that goal cannot be achieved without a strong membership. Help us build that support – which translates into a richer offer for all members, greater authority in the profession generally, and ultimately better advocacy for our patients.
Your membership helps to secure our future: we must not let this opportunity pass us by. Do tell friends and colleagues!
Sadly this will be my last blog as I stand down as Chair of Trustees at the end of March. I have very much enjoyed my time as Chair and am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. I am delighted to be handing over the role to Mick Horton, so I know the College’s Trustee Board is in safe hands!
You may be interested in Janet’s blog reviewing the College’s inaugural Annual Members’ Meeting in March 2022…
Professor Emeritus Nairn Wilson CBE FCGDent, Honorary Founding President of the College, encourages former members and fellows of the FGDP, together with colleagues who have recently joined CGDent, to update their postnominals.
While honours and university degree postnominals may normally be used throughout life, the use of postnominals linked to membership and fellowship of colleges, academies and other bodies, including memberships and fellowships earned by examination and assessment, is more complex.
The College has previously issued guidance on the continuing use of postnominals awarded by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP). This guidance states that, while postnominals relating to diplomas awarded by FGDP(UK) and the Royal College of Surgeons of England – i.e. Dip. MFGDP(UK), Dip. FFGDP(UK), Dip. MJDF, DGDP (RCS Eng.), Dip. MGDS (RCS Eng.), Dip. Imp. Dent. (RCS Eng.) and Dip. Rest. Dent. (RCS Eng.) – were not affected by the transfer of FGDP(UK) into CGDent, postnominals which conveyed ongoing membership or fellowship of FGDP(UK) – i.e. MFGDP(UK) and FFGDP(UK) – should no longer be used, as the FGDP(UK) no longer exists.
The only exceptions to these arrangements are honorary memberships and fellowships of FGDP(UK), i.e. Hon. MFGDP(UK) and Hon FFGDP(UK), which are honours rather than denoting ongoing, substantive membership.
Continuing use of the redundant, membership-specific Faculty postnominals MFGDP(UK) and FFGDP(UK) could be considered misleading, specifically to patients, and therefore to contravene the GDC’s guidance on advertising.
Equally, failure to use recently acquired CGDent postnominals – MCGDent, AssocFCGDent or FCGDent – contributes to the unhelpful misunderstanding that dentistry continues to lack its own independent standards setting body.
In addition, it fails to convey our professional standing, and our commitment to the CGDent Code of Conduct and, in turn, the standards established and promoted by the College, to other healthcare professions, and more importantly to patients.
In updating their postnominals, former members and fellows of FGDP(UK) who have not yet joined CGDent may replace their redundant FGDP(UK) postnominals with CGDent ones by doing so – former members and fellows of FGDP(UK) being eligible, respectively, for MCGDent and FCGDent.
In this process, there is opportunity for former members of FGDP(UK) who have obtained experience and postgraduate qualifications since obtaining their FGDP(UK)/RCS Eng. diploma to apply for Associate Fellowship (AssocFCGDent) or even Fellowship (FCGDent) of the College ‘by experience’ or ‘by equivalence’.
Also, all retired oral healthcare professionals (i.e. colleagues who are no longer GDC registrants) who wish to maintain a link with their chosen profession, are most welcome to join the College through its ‘by experience’ or ‘by equivalence’ processes, with opportunity for those who become Fellows (FCGDent) in retirement to join the College’s recently established 1992 Circle.
The College’s online register of current members can be used to confirm the membership status of any individuals using CGDent postnominals.
The College will be most pleased to assist former members and fellows of FGDP(UK) in updating and possibly upgrading their postnominals, together with all other oral healthcare professionals, both in the UK and elsewhere, wishing to join CGDent, which is increasingly gaining recognition and standing as a ground-breaking, world-first for the dental team – just get in touch with us here
This blog is adapted from a Letter to the Editor published in the British Dental Journal on 10 February 2023.
The College of General Dentistry Fellows’ Summer Reception took place on Thursday 15 June 2023, 6-9pm, at Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR.
The event included a welcome by the President setting out progress to date in realising the vision for the College, as well as the admission of new Fellows – including all those whose applications succeed prior to the event – and the presentation of President’s Commendations and Honorary Fellowships.
An opportunity to network with peers, as well as to meet College Trustees, Council members and staff, the reception was open to all Fellows and Associate Fellows, those due to be presented with an Honorary Fellowship or President’s Commendation, those enrolled in Certified Membership and entrants to the research poster competition.
Fellowship of the College (FCGDent) is available by experience or by equivalence, and Associate Fellowship (AssocFCGDent) is open to those who hold the MGDS, a Specialty Membership of a UK dental faculty, or a Postgraduate Diploma level or Masters level qualification in a subject relevant to oral healthcare.
The summer gathering of the College of General Dentistry’s ‘1992 Circle’ took place on Thursday 15 June 2023 at Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR. The event was open to members of the 1992 Circle, who have all received an invitation to attend.
The 1992 Circle is named in honour of the year the Faculty of General Dental Practice was founded, a key moment which brought together the members of the College of General Dental Practitioners (UK) and of the former RCS Advisory Board in General Dental Practice, with the shared ambition to create an independent College over time.
Thirty years on, the 1992 Circle aims to bring together, and recognise, those whose vision put the general dental profession in the UK on a journey towards independent collegiate status, and those whose ongoing commitment carried this through to the establishment of the College of General Dentistry.
All those who are retired from practice and were a Fellow of FGDP(UK) or are, or were, a Fellow of CGDent, are eligible to join the 1992 Circle and attend the periodical gatherings. There is no charge to become a member of the 1992 Circle or to attend the summer event.
If you meet the eligibility requirements detailed above and would like to join the 1992 Circle, we’d be delighted to hear from you – please contact us at [email protected]
If you know any retired Faculty Fellows who are not currently aware of the 1992 Circle, please encourage them to get in touch with us at [email protected]
Attendees at the 1992 Circle summer gathering who are members of the College were also invited to join the CGDent Fellows’ Summer Reception later the same evening at Cutlers’ Hall, London.
The list of fellowships which qualify applicants for Fellowship of the College by means of equivalence has been formally expanded to include Fellowship of the former Faculty of General Dental Practice.
While previously denoted by the suffix ‘FFGDP(UK)’, this post-nominal can no longer be used as it would misleadingly imply that an individual remained a member, in good standing and held to a professional standard, of a professional body which no longer exists.
However, existing Faculty Fellows could move seamlessly to the College when the Faculty transferred into it in 2021, and former FGDP Fellows have in practice been accepted into College Fellowship ever since.
For the avoidance of doubt in relation to future applications by former Faculty Fellows, the FFGDP(UK) is therefore now explicitly articulated as one of the qualifications which demonstrate eligibility for admittance to Fellowship of the College “by equivalence”.
In addition, Honorary Fellows of the College (FCGDent(Hon.)) or former Faculty (FFGDP(UK)(Hon.)) who also meet the College’s standard membership requirements may be admitted to full Fellowship by equivalence.
Fellowships of the Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland, their Faculties of Dental Surgery (FDS) or Dentistry (FFD), the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS), and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, are also deemed by the College to be of equivalent standing, and other equivalent bodies may be determined over time.
Fellowship of the Faculty of Dental Trainers of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FDTFEd) is however accepted solely towards Fellowship applications by means of experience, providing significant evidence towards satisfaction of the Teaching, Learning & Assessment domain.
Full details of the requirements for Fellowship are available via the link below.
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