Dentists’ GDC payment period goes live

The annual retention fee (ARF) payment period for the UK’s 36,900 registered dentists has kicked off in the run up to the 31 December deadline.

The General Dental Council (GDC) took a decision to freeze the fee this year – remaining at £438.

The GDC is hoping dentists will take advantage of the opportunity to set up a direct debit to pay their fee and last year almost 60% of dentists did.

Direct debits need to be set up by 13 November; payments will be taken on 3 December.

Professionals can download a form from the GDC website at www.gdc-uk.org/Current+registrant/Annual+retention+fees/Direct+debit.htm.

They can also set up a multiple direct debit mandate which enables them to pay the fees of several registrants from one bank or building society account.

Until 31 December, dentists can also join the growing numbers who are choosing to pay by credit or debit card online at the eGDC portal or over the phone.

Letters with payment instructions and telephone numbers have been sent out to dentists, although these may be delayed because of the postal strike.

More information will also be available on the GDC website at:
www.gdc-uk.org/Current+registrant/Annual+retention+fees/Annual+retention+fees+-+frequently+asked+questions.htm.

GDC director of operations, Edward Bannatyne, said: ‘If you haven’t set up an account on eGDC yet, go to www.eGDC-uk.org. We have improved the account creation process since last year’s ARF collection, so making your payment online will be much easier. Registering on the site can now be done instantly, meaning there’s no wait for a letter containing a password, providing you have an ID verification code.

‘If you don’t have your code you can request one on the site, by SMS or by letter. Remember if you ignore the deadline and don’t pay, you will lose your place on the register and will have to go through our restoration process and pay an additional fee in order to be able to practise legally.’

Favorite
Get the most out of your membership by subscribing to Dentistry CPD
  • Access 600+ hours of verified CPD courses
  • Includes all GDC recommended topics
  • Powerful CPD tracking tools included
Register for webinar
Share
Add to calendar