GDC chair warns of ‘substantial’ cost pressure ahead of fee decision

The General Dental Council’s (GDC) chair has warned that rising fitness to practise concerns are putting ‘substantial pressure’ on costs ahead of a decision on registration fees later this month.

Dr Helen Phillips reiterated that the annual retention fee (ARF) could be adjusted in 2027 and 2028, with any increase normally limited to the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Fitness to practise concerns increased by 26% in 2025, from 1,401 to 1,766. The GDC reported a further 20% year-on-year increase between January and August 2026.

In a blog post, Phillips said the council was examining how operational improvements could limit the financial impact.

Future reserves forecast not explained

Phillips stressed that current reserves remained within the GDC’s target range and that there was no short-term pressure on its finances.

Her comments followed Dentistry’s report on the forecast published in September, which projected free reserves equivalent to 1.5 months of operating expenditure by the end of 2028, below the target range of between 2.5 and 4.5 months.

While Phillips said the updated business plan would take account of expected reserves at the end of 2029, she did not explain whether the previously published 2028 forecast had changed.

The council is due to consider the updated business plan on 30 October and set the annual retention fee in light of its decisions.

Could the annual retention fee rise again?

Phillips repeated previous guidance about possible future fee increases.

She wrote: ‘We announced last year that the level of the ARF would be adjusted as necessary for 2027 and 2028, but that other than in exceptional circumstances, any increase will not exceed the rate of the Consumer Price Index.’

The latest CPI inflation rate was 3.1%, covering the year to August 2026. An increase at that rate would add approximately £22 to dentists’ current £698 annual retention fee. However, the GDC has not announced any decision on this.

The annual retention fee rose for 2026, from £621 to £698 for dentists and from £96 to £108 for dental care professionals.

Phillips said the GDC was seeking efficiencies within fitness to practise and across its wider operations, including through its MyGDC registration and renewal service.

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