GDC opens annual renewal period for dentists

The General Dental Council (GDC) has opened its annual renewal period for dentists, marking the start of the 2026 registration cycle.

Dentists must pay the updated Annual Retention Fee (ARF) of £698 by 31 December 2025—a £77 increase from the previous year—following the GDC’s consultation on its Corporate Strategy 2026–28.

Alongside the fee, registrants must declare they have appropriate indemnity cover in place by the same deadline. A separate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) statement is due by 28 January 2026. Dentists can complete their renewal through their eGDC account, with direct debit payments scheduled for 1 December. The GDC warns that failure to meet these deadlines will result in removal from the register, making it illegal to practise dentistry in the UK until restoration is approved.

The regulator continues to emphasise CPD compliance, noting that 409 dentists failed to meet requirements last year, including 75 who did not complete the minimum 10 hours over two years. All dentists must submit an annual CPD statement, even if they have completed no hours. Those nearing the end of their five-year CPD cycle may apply for a grace period before 31 December, granting an additional eight weeks to meet hour requirements. Recent changes introduced in March 2025 have simplified CPD documentation and removed the need to include registration numbers on certificates.

As part of the renewal process, the GDC is also inviting dentists to complete its voluntary working patterns survey, now in its third year. The survey collects data on workplace settings, types of care delivered, and weekly hours worked. With 66% of dentists having participated at least once, the GDC hopes to increase engagement to support workforce planning and maintain public confidence in dental services. Dentists are encouraged to log into their eGDC account for full guidance and access to renewal tools.

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