The number of dentists on the Register increased by over 3% again this year to reach 47,022, according to our latest annual renewal figures.
The number of dentists removed from the Register increased to 900, compared to 793 in 2025. The Register size after removals stood at 47,022, compared to 45,580 in 2025.
New registrations and restorations that occurred as part of normal business during this period contributed to the overall growth in registrant numbers.
| Dentist ARF | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Register count following removals1 | 42,215 |
43,130 |
44,209 |
45,580 |
47,022 |
| Percentage change | +0.8% | +2.2% | +2.5% | +3.1% | +3.2% |
| Removals2 | 1,079 |
999 |
1,004 |
793 |
900 |
| Removals as % of ARF payments received |
2.6% |
2.3% |
2.3% |
1.7% |
1.9% |
1Register count in week following the renewal period.
2Reasons for removal include voluntary removal, non-payment, retirement, and notifications of death.
The 2026 ARF was £698, up from £621 in previous years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to maintaining professional standards while ensuring financial sustainability.
However, the organisation has again gathered working‑patterns data on dentists, including the type of work they undertake, the number of hours they work, and whether they are practising in the NHS or privately. This analysis is expected to be completed and published later in Q1.
The organisation anticipates that the working‑patterns data will offer further insights to inform workforce discussions and planning.
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