GDC Registration
The General Dental Council is the regulator for dental professionals in the UK. You cannot treat patients here until your name is on the GDC register. This guide covers the fees, the English requirement, the documents you need, how long it takes, and the indemnity and Performers List rules that catch a lot of overseas dentists out.
What it costs
One-off application fee
About £117.23 from 16 January 2026
The fee was £102.83 before that date. A small charge may apply if you want your documents returned.
Annual Retention Fee (dentists)
£698 in 2026
This was £621 in 2025. You pay it every year to stay on the register.
These are 2026 figures and the GDC reviews them each year. Confirm the current amounts on the GDC website before you budget. Remember the exam itself is a separate and much larger cost, which we break down on the Cost of Registration page.
The English language requirement
You have to show the GDC that your English is good enough to treat patients safely. The most common way is IELTS Academic at overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component, or OET at grade B in each component. There are other accepted routes, including a qualification taught and examined entirely in English.
Read the full English language guideDocuments you need
- Evidence of a recognised dental qualification, or proof that you have passed the ORE or the LDS
- A valid passport
- A character reference
- Evidence that you meet the English language requirement
- A certificate of good standing from each regulator you have been registered with
- Certified copies of documents where the GDC asks for them
How long it takes
The GDC aims to assess a complete application within three months. It can take longer at busy times, so send a full application with every document in the right format the first time. Missing or uncertified paperwork is the most common cause of delay.
Before you treat patients
Indemnity is legally required
Under the Dentists Act 1984 you must have indemnity or insurance in place before you treat a single patient. GDC registration on its own does not cover you. Arrange cover with a dental defence organisation or insurer as soon as your registration is confirmed.
NHS work needs the Performers List
GDC registration lets you work privately, but it is not enough for NHS dentistry in England. For NHS work you also have to join the NHS Performers List, which is managed through PCSE Online. Overseas dentists who are not exempt from Foundation Training usually join through the PLVE route. This is England-specific, so check the rules for the nation you plan to work in.
Check the official pages
Fees, timelines and document rules change, so always confirm the current details on the GDC website before you apply or pay.
Be first in line when your course goes live
Most of our courses are still in build. Tell us which exam you are preparing for and we will email you the moment it opens, along with early-access offers before anyone else.
- No payment now, just your details
- A friendly heads-up the day your course launches
- Early-bird pricing for people who register first
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