GDC Annual Renewal Support for Dentists

As a practising dentist in the UK, keeping your General Dental Council (GDC) registration up to date is essential if you want to continue working legally in NHS or private practice.

This guide summarises the key steps of annual renewal for dentists with the GDC.

Key GDC Annual Renewal Deadlines for Dentists

For dentists, the GDC annual renewal period takes place in the weeks leading up to 31 December each year. During this window you must:

• Make your indemnity declaration
• Pay your Annual Retention Fee (ARF)
• Submit your annual CPD statement via eGDC

In addition, your CPD year runs from 1 January to 31 December, and you must make your CPD statement for that year by 28 January. Any CPD done on or after 1 January will count towards the following CPD year.

If you miss the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) deadline your name may be removed from the register which means you cannot practise as a dentist anywhere in the UK. A list of removed registrants is sent to the NHS so keeping on top of the timeline is crucial.

Step 1 - Making Your GDC Indemnity Declaration

Dentists are required by law to have appropriate indemnity or insurance in place before they practise so that patients can seek compensation if they suffer harm during treatment. When you register, renew or restore your GDC registration you must declare that you have, or will have, appropriate cover in place before you start work.

During annual renewal for dentists, this declaration is made in the November or December period. If you are not currently practising but wish to remain on the register you must still make the indemnity declaration.

Key points for dentists:

• You can be covered by your own individual policy or under your employer’s policy
• You are responsible for ensuring your cover is appropriate for your scope of practice
• If you employ dental care professionals under your policy you must make policy details available to them
• Making a false declaration to the GDC is a serious issue and may be treated as a fitness to practise concern

The GDC’s updated guidance on indemnity and insurance explains the different types of cover available and includes a practical checklist to help you decide on the level of protection you need.

Step 2 – Paying Your Annual Retention Fee (ARF)

The Annual Retention Fee (ARF) is the fee that all registered dentists and dental care professionals must pay each year to remain on the GDC register and legally practise in the UK.

For dentists:

• Retention period: 1 January to 31 December
• ARF amount: £698 (For Period of 1^st January 2026 – 31^st December 2026)
• Payment deadline: 31 December 2025

You must pay the ARF even if you have no direct contact with patients. It is your responsibility to ensure payment is made on time using one of the GDC’s accepted methods, which include:

• Card payment online via eGDC
• Annual Direct Debit
• Direct Debit by instalments

Once the ARF is paid you will receive a receipt in your eGDC account. There is no reduction if you work part time or only intend to work for part of the year.

If you decide not to renew, you can indicate this in your eGDC account during the annual renewal period and follow the process for leaving the register.

Step 3 – Making Your Annual CPD Statement

To maintain GDC registration you must undertake continuing professional development (CPD) and submit a CPD statement every year. You must also keep a CPD record and maintain a personal development plan (PDP).

For dentists, the key CPD timelines are:

• CPD year: 1 January to 31 December
• CPD statement deadline: 28 January (for the previous year)
• CPD done on or after 1 January counts towards the following CPD year

You must:

• Submit a compliant annual CPD statement if you are mid-cycle
• Submit an end of cycle CPD statement at the end of each five year cycle
• Complete at least 10 hours of verifiable CPD in every two year period unless you are in the first year of your first cycle

If you have completed no CPD during the year you must still make your statement and record zero hours, then ensure you complete enough CPD in the following year to meet minimum requirements. If you are approaching the end of your five year cycle and cannot complete your CPD for a good reason, you may apply to the GDC for a grace period of up to 56 days.

Keeping Your CPD Evidence Verifiable

You are responsible for obtaining and retaining evidence for all verifiable CPD you undertake. Typically this will be a certificate, mapping document or email from the CPD provider that includes:

• CPD subject, learning content, aims and objectives
• Anticipated GDC development outcomes
• Date the CPD was completed
• Total number of CPD hours
• Name of the participant
• Confirmation that the CPD has been quality assured

You must keep your CPD record for five years from the end of your cycle. The GDC may ask to see it for restoration, if you have not complied with CPD requirements or as part of a random CPD audit.

The following can usually be counted as CPD if verifiable:

• Learning completed outside the UK that meets GDC standards
• Foundation or vocational training once your CPD cycle has started
• Peer reviews where appropriate evidence is available

You cannot normally count delivering CPD to others or activities that are part of your normal professional duties.

Your Annual Practising Certificate

Once you have:

1. Paid your ARF
2. Declared your indemnity
3. Submitted your CPD statement

you will be able to download your annual practising certificate from your eGDC account from 1st January for dentists.

If you do not receive your certificate within six weeks of payment being processed you should contact the GDC directly by phone or via their contact form.

Why GDC Compliance Matters for Locum and Permanent Dentists

Whether you are working in a permanent post or as a locum dentist across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Sandwell or the wider Black Country, your GDC registration status affects your ability to work and be booked into shifts.

A lapsed ARF payment or incomplete CPD declaration can lead to removal from the register which means:

• You cannot legally work in any NHS or private dental setting
• Practices cannot engage you via a medical recruitment agency
• Booked sessions may need to be cancelled or reallocated at short notice

As your recruitment partner, Flourish Medical will always check that you are fully registered and compliant before confirming placements, helping you avoid disruption to your income and career.

How Flourish Medical Supports Dentists Across the West Midlands

At Flourish Medical we specialise in sourcing roles for dentists, orthodontists, dental nurses and hygienists across NHS and private practices in the West Midlands. We are small enough to care yet large enough to deliver, which means you benefit from a personalised service backed by strong regional reach.

When you register with us as a dentist you can expect:

• A dedicated consultant who understands GDC requirements and local dental markets
• Access to locum, long term and permanent opportunities across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Worcester and surrounding areas
• Guidance on aligning your CPD and career goals with the roles you choose
• Support with gathering the compliance documents practices expect from a trusted medical recruitment agency

We prioritise long term relationships over short term gain and will only place you in roles where you can thrive and succeed as a dental professional.

Start your journey today!