Following on from the 2005 Section 60 Order amendment to The Dentists' Act, the GDC removed the restriction on the number of Dental Body Corporates (DBCs) as from 31st July 2006.
Incorporation can occur in the form of a limited company or a limited liability partnership (LLP). The financial and administrative advantages and disadvantages of each are well documented in the latest BDA advice sheet B6, but these issues are business matters which fall outside of DPL's remit.
The GDC requirements are, however, issues that DPL does need to be aware of, and the major change here is that both dentists and registered dental care professionals (DCPs) can now be directors of DBCs.
It would appear that initially the GDC will not be holding a "list" of DBCs, but the GDC should be notified as soon as possible of the formation of a new DBC and the names and status of its directors.
The GDC has not made it clear as to whether or not, mandatory Corporate indemnity needs to be considered, in addition to the directors' own personal indemnity cover.
Any enquiries concerning corporate indemnity should be addressed to:
Alan M Cohen, Head of Dental Services - London
alan.cohen@mps.org.uk 020 7399 1335
Issued 19th March 2008
