GDC ARF to Rise by 12.5% for 2026
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- Published: Monday, 03 November 2025 10:09
- Written by News Editor
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The General Dental Council (GDC) has confirmed that the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) for 2026 will rise to £698 for dentists and £108 for dental care professionals (DCPs), as part of the regulator‘s new three-year strategic plan.
The ARF in 2024 was £621 for dentists and £96 for DCPs, meaning the 2026 rates represent increases of around 12.4% for dentists and 12.5% for DCPs. These rises come at a time when many practices and individual registrants are managing higher operating costs, workforce pressures, and constrained NHS funding.
The decision also comes despite the GDC holding reserves of approximately £52 million, declared in their annual report at the end of 2024. If invested prudently, these reserves could generate a further £2.6 million per year at a modest 5% return, providing a significant recurring income stream. Many in the profession will therefore question whether increases of this scale were necessary at this time.
Commenting on the announcement, GDC Chief Executive and Registrar, Tom Whiting, said:
“Our ambition is to be a trusted and effective regulator, working constructively with the dental professions to support the delivery of safe, high-quality care. We have a clear programme to achieve our strategic objectives and remain committed to protecting patients and maintaining public confidence in dentistry.
“From 2027 onwards, adjustments to the ARF will be made as necessary, and—other than in exceptional circumstances—any increase will not exceed the Consumer Price Index (CPI).”
For many registrants, the question will be whether this rise aligns with the GDC’s stated aim of supporting, rather than adding financial pressure to, the dental workforce. With ongoing discussions about professional confidence in regulation carried out by GDC, and the need for constructive engagement, the scale and timing of this fee increase has already prompted anger within the sector.
Renewal timelines
- Dentists: Renewal opens 10 November 2025; payment due 31 December 2025.
- Dental Care Professionals: Renewal opens June 2026; payment due 31 July 2026.
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