A look at Bodies Corporate.

One of the most exclusive clubs in the dental world comprises the 27 members who can call themselves Dental Bodies Corporate (DBCs). Among this elite are well-known names such as Dental World, Dencare, Whitecross, Benedent and also Oakley, which is owned by Denplan. In the UK only dentists and DBCs are permitted to carry on the business of dentistry. DBCs are simply companies whose directors (the majority of whom must be dentists) are protected by the laws of limited liability, with the purpose of encouraging investment by shareholders (who need not be dentists). This article outlines the story of how this select band of Corporate Bodies gained their exclusive status which goes back to the very earliest days of our profession.