Dentists’ New Leader Advocates Commonsense

May 29, 2001

Christchurch dentist Dr Brent Stanley has been elected chairman of the Dental Council of New Zealand, the statutory Authority which governs this country’s 1550 practising dentists & dental specialists.

He succeeds Dr David Marshall who held the role for the past six years.

Dr Stanley believes major legislative change in the form of the Health Professionals Competency Assurance Bill currently being drafted will have a major effect on the regulation and practise of dentistry. Government and consumers are increasingly demanding that health professionals can clearly demonstrate ongoing competency.

“The Dental Council has a crucial role in facilitating the continued improvement of professional standards which is the purpose of the legislation,” he says.

“The profession must have effective input into this process. In my new role I will be working to ensure that any proposed legislation protects the public interest with realistic and workable provisions which do not contribute further to the administrative burden currently experienced by most dental professionals.

Dr Stanley is a GP dentist in private practice. He has served in the past as president of the New Zealand Dental Association, and is currently a councillor of the World Dental Federation.

“I value the opportunity to continue to advocate for a commonsense approach towards the regulation of our profession.”

Wellington dentist Dr Jeffrey Annan has been elected the Council’s Deputy Chairman.

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