Apply for registration

This page provides a step by step guide to obtaining registration with the GDC as a dentist or dental care professional (DCP) such as a dental nurse, dental technician, clinical dental technician, dental hygienist, dental therapist or a orthodontic therapist. 

1. Find your route to registration

The first step is for you to find your route to registration.

2. Obtain and complete an application form

Once you have found your route to registration you will be able to download an application form and relevant guidance.

3. Send in your completed application form, supporting documentation and registration fee

Your application form, supporting documentation and registration fee should be posted to -

If you are posting your application from within the UK, please send it by recorded or special delivery. If you are posting your application from outside the UK we recommend you use the equivalent of recorded or special delivery. We cannot be responsible for documents that are lost in the postal system.

Alternatively, if you prefer to deliver your application by hand, you can do so between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to our Wimpole Street office. Please put your application form and all supporting documents in a sealed envelope. We ask that all envelopes are sealed to ensure that the confidentiality of your documents is maintained and the risk of documents being lost or mislaid is minimised. Any applications that are not received in this way will be refused. However, please note if you deliver your application in person we will not be able to process it while you wait.

4. We process your registration payment

Once we have received your application we will process your registration fee and send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application.

5. We process your application

The current processing times for each application type vary.

To avoid delaying your registration, please ensure that all parts of your application are appropriately completed and current.

Please keep in mind that the health certificate, character reference and certificate of good standing are only valid for three months from the date of issue.

6. If your application is successful, your name is added to our register

When we have processed your application, we will write to you to tell you that you have been registered. Your registered details, including name, registered address and qualification(s) will be publicly available and will be included on our online register. We will also send you information about what is expected of you as a registered dental professional.