The aim of Re-validation is to improve public protection by requiring Dental Professionals to show that they are fit to stay on our registers. Dental Professionals will do this by "Re-validating" on a regular basis.

Re-validation differs from CPD in that it is designed to evaluate fitness to practise in the round by asking Dental Professionals to show that:

• Their knowledge is up to date.
• Their professional performance is up to the standards required for registration.
• Their conduct meets the standards set out in our ethical guidance "Standards for Dental Professionals".

Re-validation therefore has clearly safety benefit over that which flows from the requirement to demonstrate that CPD is up to date.  However, CPD will be an improtant component of Re-validation.

The need for Re-validation in the healthcare environment formed part of the findings of the Kennedy Report into the events at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, and has since been reiterated in the Shipman Inquiry Report. From this, our research into quality assurance mechanisms, and other work with our stakeholder organisations, we havebeen planning how best to take Re-validation forward. Development work on Re-validation is being managed by a Re-validation Working Group.