GDC introduces option to pay ARF by instalments on anniversary of first lockdown

Also marking the anniversary of the suspension of routine NHS dental services, this change in payment options now means dental professionals can spread the cost over their fee over the year with quarterly Direct Debits.

For dental care professionals (DCPs), this works out as four payments of £28.50 and for dentists it is four payments of £170.

Fiona Ellwood, president of Society of British Dental Nurses, has welcomed the news although acknowledged ‘an element of sadness, knowing that many dental nurses struggled in 2020 at the height of the pandemic – with some even leaving the profession’.

She added: ‘The dental team have been under enormous pressure since the pandemic and this news is certainly one of the positive notes to come from it. I have spoken out about this since 2006/2008 and have also done this on behalf of others, as president of BADN and now of SBDN. The SBDN held several discussions with the GDC throughout the pandemic and continue to engage in the stakeholder meetings, consultations, and research.