The Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025

Published: Wed 3rd Sept 25

The Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025 designates the University of Portsmouth as a medical authority, empowering it to conduct dentistry examinations and grant licenses.

This order, effective September 3rd, 2025, applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, potentially increasing the capacity for dental professionals while leveraging existing legal frameworks.

No significant impact on the public, private or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

Arguments For

Expanding Dental Professional Capacity: Designating the University of Portsmouth allows for increased capacity in conducting dentistry exams and licensing, potentially addressing shortages in dental professionals.
Enhanced Regional Access to Dental Services: By adding another licensed examination body, the order may improve access to dental services in the regions served by the University of Portsmouth.
Improving Efficiency in Dental Regulation: Streamlining examination and licensing processes using multiple accredited institutions might improve efficiency and reduce processing times for dental professionals.
Legal Basis in Existing Legislation: The order explicitly draws authority from Article 7(4)(b) of the Health Care and Associated Professions (Miscellaneous Amendments and Practitioner Psychologists) Order 2009, providing a clear legal foundation.

Arguments Against

Potential for Inconsistent Standards: Introducing another examination body may raise concerns regarding the consistency of standards compared to existing institutions, requiring robust oversight mechanisms.
Increased Administrative Burden: Managing an additional designated medical authority could increase administrative burdens on regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing dental professionals.
Unforeseen Impacts: While an impact assessment stated no significant impact is foreseen, there may be unforeseen consequences that require ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Resource Allocation: The added responsibility for the University of Portsmouth may require significant logistical and financial investment, potentially diverting resources from other educational activities.

Citation, commencement and extent 1.

(1)

This Order may be cited as the Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025 and comes into force on 3rd September 2025.

(2)

This Order extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This section details the order's name, effective date, and geographical scope.

It will be known as the Dentists Act 1984 (Medical Authorities) Order 2025 and starts on September 3rd, 2025.

Its provisions apply to all four constituent nations of the United Kingdom.

Designation of University of Portsmouth 2.

The University of Portsmouth is designated for the purposes of article 7(4)(b) of the Health Care and Associated Professions (Miscellaneous Amendments and Practitioner Psychologists) Order 2009 and accordingly is a “medical authority” for the purposes of section 3 of the Dentists Act 1984 (power of medical authorities to hold examinations and grant licences in dentistry).

This section officially designates the University of Portsmouth as a 'medical authority'.

This designation is based on Article 7(4)(b) of the 2009 Order and Section 3 of the Dentists Act 1984.

The University now has the authority to conduct dental examinations and issue licenses.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order of Council)

This Order designates the University of Portsmouth (“the University”) as a medical authority which is authorised to hold examinations in dentistry and grant licences certifying the fitness of the holders to practise dentistry. This would enable persons who have passed such examinations held by the University or who hold such licences granted by the University as a medical authority, to be registered on the General Dental Council’s register of dentists provided that the person meets the relevant requirements under the Dentists Act 1984.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.

This explanatory note clarifies the implications of the order.

The University of Portsmouth is now authorized to conduct dental exams and provide licenses certifying dentists' fitness to practice. Individuals who pass these exams or hold such licenses can register with the General Dental Council, provided they fulfill the criteria in the Dentists Act 1984.

A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of any significant foreseen impact.

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