ARF increase risks undermining hard-won progress on regulation

Despite significant reserve levels, the regulator has signalled its intentions to raise fees above levels set in 2019, to around £730 (+7%) for dentists and to around £120 (+5%) for dental care professionals, as part of its emerging strategic plan for 2023-25.

The GDC has also pledged to do all they can to keep costs down. But inflation is forecast to continue for some time therefore, the GDC may need to revisit the fee if inflation remains high. Any further increases would be limited to the rate of inflation unless exceptional circumstances arise.

A spokesperson for the GDC said, “This is a consultation on our strategic plans for the next three years and we look forward to hearing the views of everyone who holds an interest in our work, which of course includes dental professionals. Our target is to maintain a free reserve level equivalent to four and a half months of operating costs, and we believe the approach we’ve set out will maintain that level. If we are to continue ensuring patient safety and promoting the confidence that the public rightly have in dental professionals, the GDC must be financially sustainable, and we are not immune to the inflation which is affecting everyone.”