Number of registered dental care professionals rises by 5%
an increase of 3,746 professionals compared with the post-renewal register count in 2025
Almost 85,000 dental care professionals (DCPs) are now registered in the UK, with the latest figures showing an increase of 3,746 professionals compared with the post-renewal register count in 2025.
With 84,746 DCPs now on the register, the increase follows the General Dental Council’s (GDC) annual renewal period, during which the regulator took extra steps to support DCPs who experienced technical difficulties with the new online service MyGDC.
The GDC confirmed on 23 July that any DCP struggling to renew through MyGDC would not be removed from the register, provided they e-mailed the regulator before the deadline. It also increased capacity across its customer service team, to work through enquiries and support registrants.
A total of 3,769 DCPs were removed from the register following the renewal period.
Not all professionals who leave the DCP register stop practising dentistry altogether. Of the 250 dental hygienists removed from the register this year, 63 remain registered as dentists. Of the 203 dental therapists removed, 86 are now registered as dentists.
The DCP register changes throughout the year as new professionals register and others leave the register. As a result, the number of registered professionals typically rises between annual renewal periods before falling when those who do not renew are removed.
For those who have been removed, we have made it easier to restore registration so that they can continue to practise in the UK if they have been off the register for less than 12 months and have always complied with CPD.
More information is available in the regulator’s monthly registration reports and annual registration statistical report.