The words to use
- Standards for the Dental Team
- The GDC's standards for all dental professionals, in force since 30 September 2013, built on nine principles. A replacement framework was consulted on in 2026.
- Framework for Professionalism
- The GDC's proposed replacement for its standards: four principles backed by expectations and guidance. Consultation closed on 31 August 2026; check whether it has been adopted.
- Manual dexterity
- Skilled, precise control of your hands and fingers, needed to work in the small space of the mouth. Some dental schools, such as Birmingham, assess it at interview.
- DSC values and attributes
- The Dental Schools Council's list of 13 attributes dental schools look for, such as honesty, integrity and teamwork, each linked to the GDC's standards.
