Representation >>Founded in 1954 by dentists working in the NHS, the Dental Professionals Association advises, supports and represents all Dental Care Professionals. We are the largest such organisation in the UK.
On November 9th 1953 a group of dentists lead by Dr Malik met in East London. In 1954 they formed the General Dental Practitioners Association in response to a perceived failure of the British Dental Association to lobby aggressively on behalf of general dental practitioners who had joined the National Health Service at its inception in 1948 only to see the first NHS patient charges imposed on dentures and successive cuts in dental fees.
Early History
- July 5 1948 NHS created. The feescale drawn up at the inception of the NHS considered that 1,500 chairside hours was a reasonable workload, with expenses estimated at 52%. Dentists’ commitment to the new service was greater than expected.
- February 1949 Remuneration in excess of £400 per month was cut by 50%.
- June 1949 Earnings ceiling was abandoned but fee scale cut by 17%.
- May 1950 Fee scale cut by further 10%.
- May 1951 Charges imposed for dentures.
- June 1952 Charges imposed for other treatment.
- November 9 1953 Meeting of dentists in East London led by Dr Malik.
- 1954 General Dental Practitioners Association formed.
- May 1955 10% cut in fee scale reversed.
In those early days, the Association met in London, often at dental supply houses. Members included Mr Combiere, qualified in law, Herbert Murray the first treasurer, Frank Barlow, Hans Orlay (a pioneer of implants with titanium), Sidney Smith and Ian Simpson (the first GDPA member of the General Dental Council).
Currently, the DPA has meeting with government and opposition health spokespersons, and makes an annual submission to the Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration. We also meet with consumers’ associations such as Which?
We respond to consultations from inter alia the Department of Health, the General Dental Council and the Care Quality Commission and have given evidence on dentistry twice to the Commons Health Select Committee.
For interviews with early members of the DPA, listen to the DPA Podcasts.
For further information about the DPA, view our entry on Wikipedia or contact the Office.
