GDC Confirms 2026 Annual Retention Fee

The General Dental Council (GDC) has announced that the Annual Retention Fee (ARF) for 2026 will be £108 for dental care professionals (DCPs) — which includes Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians.

This decision follows the GDC Council's approval of its Corporate Strategy for 2026-2028, setting out its strategic priorities and the level of funding needed to deliver them effectively.

Feedback from the Profession

The GDC's strategy has been shaped by the feedback gathered during a 12-week public consultation held over the summer. Responses from dental professionals and stakeholders across the UK have helped to inform the Council's final decisions.

The GDC has acknowledged the profession's call for modernisation, efficiency and reform, and has confirmed that the new strategy includes plans to streamline processes and improve the effectiveness of regulation.

Commitment to Efficiency and Modernisation

To ensure value for money, the GDC has pledged to deliver a 7% efficiency saving over the next five years.

Savings are expected to come from:

• Modernising registration and administrative processes
• Better use and management of estate resources
• Introducing more efficient systems across operational areas

A Vision for Trust and Transparency

Tom Whiting, Chief Executive and Registrar of the GDC, said:

"Our vision is to be a trusted and effective regulator, supporting dental professionals to provide safe and effective care for their patients.

We have a clear delivery plan to achieve our strategic ambitions and remain committed to protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the dental professions."

He also reaffirmed the GDC's commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the Council will regularly report progress against its strategic goals.

While approving the necessary investment for this transformation, the Council has stated that it has considered affordability for dental professionals at every stage.

Future ARF Adjustments

Looking beyond 2026, the GDC has confirmed that any adjustments to the ARF from 2027 onwards will align with inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Except in exceptional circumstances, increases will not exceed the CPI rate.

Focus on Collaboration and Public Protection

Dr Helen Phillips, Chair of the GDC, emphasised the importance of working closely with the dental professions to strengthen public confidence:

"Over the next few years, I am committed to nurturing relationships built on trust and support. Council's priority is public protection — achieved by working with and through dental professionals.

By 2030, I want the GDC to be recognised as living by our values of transparency, respect, inclusion and purposefulness."

What This Means for DTA Members

For Dental Technicians and Clinical Dental Technicians, this update means an increase to the ARF for 2026 from £96 in 2025, while the GDC continues its programme of modernisation and improvement.

The DTA will continue to monitor developments and represent members' interests in discussions about the GDC's strategic direction, efficiency initiatives, and future regulatory changes.