DENTISTS in Bradford and Airedale have voted with colleagues across the UK to pass an historic motion of no confidence in their regulator, the General Dental Council.

The action was taken at a specially convened national conference of dentists to discuss the performance of the GDC and its approach to regulation.

It was immediately condemned as "unfounded and inflammatory" by the GDC, which oversees regulation of the dental industry branded this unique act of defiance as "inflammatory".

More than 200 dentists and dental professionals from all around the country attended the event in London to register their discontent at the actions of the GDC.

The motion that “this conference believes the GDC has failed in its role as the regulator for dentistry in its current model and demands a reformation of the GDC that will protect patients and re-establish the support of the dental profession" was passed unanimously.

The move was part prompted by the GDC's decision to impose a 55 per cent increase in their annual registration fees for dentists, from approximately £576pa to £890pa. This move was opposed by 98 per cent of dentists in England and Wales, who fear that the considerable fee increase may lead to reduced access to NHS dental services for patients.

Shipley dentist Alyn Morgan, secretary of Bradford and Airedale local dental committee, said: "We would just like the GDC to re-engage with the profession. It was invited to speak at the meeting, but chose not to do so.

"The GDC must act to restore and improve confidence.

"We want this resolved as it's not good for patients or registrants."

Ian Gordon, spokesman for the alliance of local dental committees fighting to improve regulation in the industry, said: “Dentists from Berwick to Bournemouth have come together to defend themselves from a regulator that no longer has the confidence of their profession.

“Fundamental reform is clearly needed, starting with a return to mutual trust and away from a culture of fear.

“Proportional regulation led by a regulator who understands the profession is a pre requisite to progress.

“The GDC simply has to reform and return to working with the profession and not against it

Ultimately that will be the best outcome for patients.”

A spokesman for the General Dental Council criticised local dental committees for taking such drastic action.

"This unfounded and inflammatory stance will do nothing but worry patients unnecessarily," he said.

"It is disappointing that the LDCs have chosen to go down this route.

"The GDC is anxious to engage constructively with the dental profession to understand more about the causes of complaints and to do what can be done to stop them arising in the first place.

"We hope that the LDCs, and other professional groups, will take the opportunity to join in these discussions which will begin early in New Year.

"The key function of the GDC is patient protection. Patients expect dental treatment to be conducted in a safe environment and by a trained professional, and if they have a concern about that dental treatment that the GDC will investigate it quickly and efficiently."