eGDCGDC Register increases to over 47,000 dentists
The number of dentists on the Register increased by over 3% again this year to reach 47,022, according to our latest annual renewal figures.
The number of dentists removed from the Register increased to 900, compared to 793 in 2025. The Register size after removals stood at 47,022, compared to 45,580 in 2025.
New registrations and restorations that occurred as part of normal business during this period contributed to the overall growth in registrant numbers.
| Dentist ARF | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Register count following removals1 | 42,215 | 43,130 | 44,209 | 45,580 | 47,022 |
| Percentage change | +0.8% | +2.2% | +2.5% | +3.1% | +3.2% |
| Removals2 | 1,079 | 999 | 1,004 | 793 | 900 |
| Removals as % of ARF payments received | 2.6% | 2.3% | 2.3% | 1.7% | 1.9% |
1Register count in week following the renewal period.
2Reasons for removal include voluntary removal, non-payment, retirement, and notifications of death.
The 2026 ARF was £698, up from £621 in previous years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to maintaining professional standards while ensuring financial sustainability.
The figures provide a useful benchmark for the total number of dentists registered in the UK, and while we recognise there are important issues of concern, including access to NHS dental services, it is important to note that the renewal data does not provide insight into the number of professionals working in different settings or the hours they work.
However, we have again gathered working patterns data on dentists including the type of work they do, the number of hours they work, and whether they are working in the NHS or privately, which we intend to publish later in Q1 once the analysis has been completed.
We expect that the working patterns data will provide further insights to inform workforce discussions and planning.
Our monthly registration reports also provide further information.