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Dentists Act 1984

1984 c. 24 · Enacted 26 June 1984 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 14 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 1 January 2025.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
Sch. 5 para. 12repealedSmoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 sch. 3
s. 27(2)(g)words insertedHealth and Social Care Act 2008 Sch. 10 para. 7
s. 36N(2)(g)words insertedHealth and Social Care Act 2008 Sch. 10 para. 9
s. 40(2)(aa)words substitutedHealth and Care Act 2022 Sch. 3 para. 42
s. 53(3)(a)(i)words substitutedHealth and Care Act 2022 Sch. 3 para. 43
s. 27BAinsertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 19
s. 36PAinsertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 26
s. 36O(4)(a)(i)words insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 25(2)
s. 36O(5)(aa)insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 25(3)
s. 36N(2)(ba)insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 24
s. 50D(1)words insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 27
s. 27(2)(ba)insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 17
s. 27A(4)(a)(i)words insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 18(2)
s. 27A(5)(aa)insertedThe Health Care and Associated Professions (Knowledge of English) Order 2015 art. 18(3)

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.

[26th June 1984]

C1C2I1Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—C3

Annotations to the whole text

Modifications

C1

Act: power to modify conferred (15.3.2000) by 1999 c. 8, s. 60(1)(2)(a)(4), Sch. 3; S.I. 2000/779, art. 2(1)

C2

A Table showing the derivation of the provisions of this consolidation Act will be found at the end of the Act. The Table has no official status.

C3

Act: transitional provisions for effects of SI 2005/2011 (31.7.2006) by The Dentists Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 2005 Transitional Provisions Order of Council 2006 (S.I. 2006/1671), arts. 1-11

Commencement

I1

Act partly in force 26.7.1984 and wholly in force 1.1.1985; see s. 55

Contents

  1. Part I: The General Dental Council
  2. 1Constitution and general duties of the Council.
  3. 2Committees of the Council.
  4. 2AThe Council’s duty to co-operate
  5. 2BAnnual reports, statistical reports and strategic plans
  6. 2CAccounts
  7. 2DComplaints
  8. 2ERegistration of members’ private interests
  9. Part II: Dental Education
  10. Degrees and licences in dentistry
  11. 3Power of medical authorities to hold examinations and grant licences in dentistry.
  12. 4Conduct of examinations for degrees and licences.
  13. 5Holding of examinations and grant of licences by Royal College of Surgeons of England.
  14. 6Requirements in relation to admission of candidates to examinations and grant of degrees and licences.
  15. 7Effect of grant of degree or licence in dentistry.
  16. Supervision of dental education
  17. 8Information to be furnished by dental authorities.
  18. 9Supervision of instruction given by dental schools and post-graduate institutions.
  19. 10Supervision of examinations.
  20. 11Remedy where qualifying courses of study or examinations are inadequate.
  21. 12Candidates not to be required to adopt or reject particular theories of dentistry.
  22. 12ADegrees and licences in dentistry
  23. Functions of Education Committee
  24. 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  25. Part III: The Dental Profession
  26. Registration
  27. 14The dentists register and the registrar
  28. 15Qualification for registration in the dentists register.
  29. 15ZASection 15: further provision relating to specified state professionals
  30. 15ASupplementary provisions as to the necessary knowledge of English
  31. 16Supplementary provisions as to registration of holders of overseas diplomas. Repealed
  32. 16ARequisite knowledge and skill: holders of overseas diplomas
  33. 16BRequisite knowledge and skill: recognition of overseas diplomas
  34. 17Temporary registration.
  35. Procedure for registration
  36. 18Procedure for registration.
  37. 19Regulations with respect to the register.
  38. 20Selection of proper abbreviations of overseas diplomas. Repealed
  39. 21Notification of reasons for refusal of application for registration etc. Repealed
  40. 21ANotification of results of application
  41. Publication of the register
  42. 22Publication of the register
  43. Erasures and alterations in the register
  44. 23Erasure of names of deceased persons and of those who have ceased to practise.
  45. 24Erasure on grounds of fraud or error
  46. 25Alteration of names and addresses. Repealed
  47. Registration appeals
  48. 25ARegistration appeals
  49. Use of titles and descriptions
  50. 26Use of titles and descriptions.
  51. Insurance
  52. 26AIndemnity arrangements
  53. Professional conduct and fitness to practise
  54. 26BGuidance
  55. 26CInformation for specified state professionals
  56. 27Allegations
  57. 27AThe Investigating Committee
  58. 27AADelegation of the Investigating Committee’s functions under section 27A
  59. 27ABReview of determination under section 27A(1)
  60. 27BThe Practice Committees
  61. 27CResumed hearings
  62. 28Restoration of names to the register following erasure under section 27B
  63. 29Appeals.
  64. 29ATaking effect of directions for erasure, suspension, conditional registration etc.
  65. 30Orders for immediate suspension and immediate conditional registration
  66. 31Special provisions where directions replace, or extend periods under, previous directions. Repealed
  67. 32Interim orders
  68. Supplementary provisions
  69. 33Supplementary provisions relating to fitness to practise cases
  70. 33ARecording of suspension or conditional registration etc.
  71. 33BThe Council’s power to require disclosure of information
  72. 33CNotification and disclosure by the Council
  73. 34Restoration of name erased under s. 27. Repealed
  74. Professional training and development requirements
  75. 34AProfessional training and development requirements
  76. 34AALimits on section 34A as respects visiting dentists from relevant European States Repealed
  77. 34BRestoration of name to the register: professional training and development
  78. Effect of disqualification in a relevant European State
  79. 35Effect on registration of disqualification in a relevant European State.
  80. Visiting dentists from relevant European States
  81. 36Visiting dentists from relevant European States. Repealed
  82. The Directive: designation of competent authority etc.
  83. 36ZAThe Directive: designation of competent authority etc. Repealed
  84. 36ZBFees for provision of certificates Repealed
  85. Part 3A: Professions Complementary to Dentistry
  86. Introductory
  87. 36AProfessions complementary to dentistry
  88. Education and registration
  89. 36BThe dental care professionals register
  90. 36CQualifications for registration
  91. 36CASupplementary provisions as to necessary knowledge of English
  92. 36CBRequisite knowledge and skill: holders of relevant qualifications
  93. 36CCRequisite knowledge and skill: recognition of relevant qualifications
  94. 36DEducation and training for members of professions complementary to dentistry
  95. Procedure for registration
  96. 36ERules relating to the dental care professionals register
  97. 36EAApplications by specified state professionals under section 36C
  98. 36FFees
  99. Publication of the dental care professionals register
  100. 36GPublication of the dental care professionals register
  101. Erasures and alterations in the dental care professionals register
  102. 36HErasure of names of deceased persons and of those who have ceased to practise
  103. 36IErasure on grounds of fraud or error
  104. Registration appeals
  105. 36JRegistration appeals
  106. Use of titles and descriptions
  107. 36KUse of titles and descriptions
  108. Insurance
  109. 36LIndemnity arrangements
  110. Professional conduct and fitness to practise
  111. 36MGuidance
  112. 36MAInformation for specified state professionals
  113. 36NAllegations
  114. 36OThe Investigating Committee
  115. 36OADelegation of the Investigating Committee’s functions under section 36O
  116. 36OBReview of determination under section 36O(1)
  117. 36PThe Practice Committees
  118. 36QResumed hearings
  119. 36RRestoration of names to the dental care professionals register following erasure under section 36P
  120. 36SAppeals
  121. 36TTaking effect of directions for erasure, suspension, conditional registration etc.
  122. 36UOrders for immediate suspension and immediate conditional registration
  123. 36VInterim orders
  124. Supplementary provisions
  125. 36WSupplementary provisions relating to fitness to practise cases
  126. 36XRecording of suspension or conditional registration etc.
  127. 36YThe Council’s power to require disclosure of information
  128. 36ZNotification and disclosure by the Council
  129. Professional training and development requirements
  130. 36Z1Professional training and development requirements
  131. 36Z2Restoration of names to the dental care professionals register: professional training and development
  132. Visiting dental care professionals from relevant European States
  133. 36Z3Visiting dental care professionals from relevant European States Repealed
  134. 36Z4Limits on section 36Z1 as respects visiting dental care professionals Repealed
  135. Part IV: Restrictions on Practice of Dentistry and on Carrying on Business of Dentistry
  136. The practice of dentistry
  137. 37Definition of practice of dentistry.
  138. 38Prohibition on practice of dentistry by laymen.
  139. 39Prohibition on use of practitioners’ titles by laymen.
  140. Restrictions on carrying on the business of dentistry
  141. 40Definition of business of dentistry.
  142. 41Restriction on individuals.
  143. 42Restriction on bodies corporate Repealed
  144. 43Directors of bodies corporate
  145. 43AProvision of information and payment of fees by bodies corporate
  146. 43BFinancial penalties in relation to bodies corporate
  147. 44Further financial penalties on bodies corporate
  148. 44ASupplementary provisions relating to financial penalties under sections 43B and 44
  149. 44BAppeals relating to financial penalties
  150. Part V: Dental Auxiliaries Repealed
  151. 45Establishment by Council of classes of dental auxiliaries. Repealed
  152. 46Restrictions on employment of dental auxiliaries. Repealed
  153. 47Use of titles and descriptions. Repealed
  154. 48Functions of Dental Auxiliaries Committee. Repealed
  155. Part VI: Miscellaneous and Supplementary
  156. Termination of the 1927 Agreement
  157. 49Termination of the 1927 Agreement with the Republic of Ireland.
  158. 49AAdvisers
  159. Supplementary
  160. 50Evidence etc. in certain proceedings under this Act. Repealed
  161. 50AService of notifications
  162. 50BPublication of information
  163. 50CRules
  164. 50DRules: consultation requirements
  165. 51Exercise of powers conferred on Privy Council.
  166. 52Regulations and other documents.
  167. 53Interpretation.
  168. 54Consequential amendments, repeals and revocations.
  169. 55Commencement, transitional provisions and savings.
  170. 56Short title and extent.
  171. Schedule 1: The Council and Committees of the Council: Supplementary Provisions
  172. Part I: The Council
  173. Constitution
  174. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  175. 1AParagraph 1A
  176. Matters for the order of the Privy Council under section 1(2A)
  177. 1BParagraph 1B
  178. Lay members
  179. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  180. 2AParagraph 2A Repealed
  181. Members who are registered dentists or registered dental care professionals
  182. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  183. Council President
  184. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  185. 5Paragraph 5
  186. General powers of Council
  187. 6Paragraph 6
  188. 7Paragraph 7
  189. 8Paragraph 8
  190. 8AParagraph 8A
  191. Part II
  192. The Education Committee
  193. 9Paragraph 9
  194. The Preliminary Proceedings Committee
  195. 10Paragraph 10
  196. The Professional Conduct Committee
  197. 11Paragraph 11
  198. The Dental Auxiliaries Committee
  199. 12Paragraph 12
  200. Schedule 2: European Dental Qualifications
  201. Part I: Appropriate European Diplomas
  202. 1Paragraph 1
  203. 2Paragraph 2
  204. 3Paragraph 3
  205. 3AParagraph 3A Repealed
  206. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  207. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  208. 6Paragraph 6 Repealed
  209. 6AParagraph 6A Repealed
  210. 6BParagraph 6B Repealed
  211. 7Paragraph 7 Repealed
  212. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  213. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  214. 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
  215. IISCHEDULED EUROPEAN DIPLOMAS Repealed
  216. Schedule 2A: Registration appeals: dentists register
  217. 1Paragraph 1
  218. 2Paragraph 2
  219. 3Notification of appealable registration decisions
  220. 4Appeals from an appealable registration decision
  221. 5Extension of time for appealing
  222. 6Appeals from the Registration Appeals Committee
  223. Schedule 3: Proceedings before the Investigating Committee, the Interim Orders Committee and Practice Committees: dentists
  224. 1Definitions
  225. 2Rules relating to procedure
  226. 3Evidence etc.
  227. 4Evidence etc.
  228. 5Evidence etc.
  229. 6Costs
  230. 7Reference of cases to the registrar or a different Committee
  231. Schedule 3A: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CASES Repealed
  232. Procedure Repealed
  233. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  234. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  235. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  236. References to other committees Repealed
  237. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  238. Notices Repealed
  239. 5Paragraph 5 Repealed
  240. Schedule 4: VISITING DENTISTS FROM RELEVANT EUROPEAN STATES Repealed
  241. 1Application and interpretation Repealed
  242. 2Application and interpretation Repealed
  243. 3Registration in respect of provision of occasional dental services Repealed
  244. 4Entitlement to provide occasional dental services: first year Repealed
  245. 5First provision of services: required documents Repealed
  246. 6First provision of services: required documents Repealed
  247. 7Entitlement to provide occasional dental services after first year: renewals Repealed
  248. 8Duration of entitlement to provide occasional dental services Repealed
  249. 9Conditions Repealed
  250. Schedule 4ZADIRECTIVE 2005/36: FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 36ZA(3) Repealed
  251. Schedule 4A: Registration appeals: dental care professionals register
  252. 1Paragraph 1
  253. 2Paragraph 2
  254. 3Notification of appealable registration decisions
  255. 4Appeals from an appealable registration decision
  256. 5Extension of time for appealing
  257. 6Appeals from the Registration Appeals Committee
  258. Schedule 4B: Proceedings before the Investigating Committee, the Interim Orders Committee and Practice Committees: dental care professionals
  259. 1Definitions
  260. 2Rules relating to procedure
  261. 3Evidence etc.
  262. 4Evidence etc.
  263. 5Evidence etc.
  264. 6Costs
  265. 7Reference of cases to the registrar or a different Committee
  266. Schedule 4C: Advisers
  267. 1Legal advisers
  268. 2Medical advisers
  269. 3Professional advisers
  270. Schedule 5: Consequential Amendments
  271. 1Paragraph 1 Repealed
  272. Part: Medicines Act 1968 (c. 67)
  273. 2Paragraph 2
  274. Part: Misuse Of Drugs Act 1971 (c. 38)
  275. 3Paragraph 3
  276. Part: Poisons Act 1972 (c. 66)
  277. 4Paragraph 4
  278. Part: Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (S.I.1972/1265 (N.I.14))
  279. 5Paragraph 5
  280. Part: Fair Trading Act 1973 (c. 41)
  281. 6Paragraph 6
  282. Part: Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976 (c. 34)
  283. 7Paragraph 7
  284. Part: National Health Service Act 1977 (c. 49)
  285. 8Paragraph 8
  286. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  287. 10Paragraph 10 Repealed
  288. 11Paragraph 11 Repealed
  289. Part: National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29)
  290. 12Paragraph 12
  291. 13Paragraph 13
  292. 14Paragraph 14
  293. Part: Medical Act 1983 (c. 54)
  294. 15Paragraph 15
  295. Part: Value Added Tax Act 1983 (c. 55)
  296. 16Paragraph 16 Repealed
  297. Schedule 6: Repeals and Revocations
  298. IPart I
  299. IIPart II
  300. Schedule 7: Transitional Provisions and Savings
  301. General
  302. 1Paragraph 1
  303. Elections and nominations
  304. 2Paragraph 2
  305. Registration
  306. 3Paragraph 3
  307. Adaptation of references in enactments etc.
  308. 4Paragraph 4
  309. Proceedings pending before Disciplinary Committee
  310. 5Paragraph 5
  311. 6Paragraph 6
  312. Rules of procedure
  313. 7Paragraph 7
  314. Restrictions on carrying on the business of dentistry
  315. 8Paragraph 8
  316. 9Paragraph 9
  317. Documents issued by Dental Board
  318. 10Paragraph 10