The DDU’s wish list for 2026
2026-01-14
The DDU’s John Makin shares his hopes for the dental profession in 2026 and concludes with a reminder that goodwill is not just for the holiday
John Makin
Social media: what standards should dental professionals uphold online?
2025-11-09
John Makin shares his top tips for using social media responsibly as a young dentist – from maintaining professional standards to staying secure online. Whether
What impact will the GDC’s updated CPD scheme have on dentistry?
2025-03-28
John Makin explores the GDC’s revised CPD guidance documents and the impact these changes will have on dental professionals. A crucial part of being a
Will the storm of fitness to practise injustice ever clear?
2025-02-16
Policy makers must address the unforgiving dento-legal weather created by fitness to practise procedures if they want to resolve the crisis in NHS dental provision,
Calls for GDC to reform regulation to boost morale
2024-09-10
The new government’s rescue agenda for dentistry must include GDC reform says John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU). A fresh start is
Politicians should underpromise and overdeliver, says John Makin
2024-06-22
John Makin analyses the potential impact of the upcoming general election, and suggests what the public will expect from politicians and dental professionals alike. With
Challenges and opportunities in the dental recovery plan
2024-04-17
John Makin analyses the challenges and opportunities posed by recently announced changes to dental regulation and policy as a result of the dental recovery plan.
Over one third of dental helpline callers are newly qualified dentists looking to leave
2024-03-26
Over a third of calls to the Confidental helpline service come from dentists who have qualified in the last five years and are thinking about
Calls for GDC to retain in-person hearings
2024-01-26
Holding all GDC hearings remotely would disadvantage certain dental professionals undergoing a fitness to practise investigation, says the Dental Defence Union (DDU). The DDU made
GDC reform should be a cross-party commitment in 2024, says John Makin
2023-11-17
John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), discusses what needs to be done to reform dentistry in 2024. The state of dentistry will
Top-up fees judgement highlights need for consistency in regulation
2023-06-13
John Makin advises practices to tread cautiously before making any changes based on the recent top-up fees judgement. Much debate has followed May’s Court of
Boost morale by restoring confidence in GDC
2023-05-02
John Makin, head of the Dental Defence Union (DDU), explains the impact of a government inquiry on professional morale. Fears about NHS ‘dental deserts’ appearing
