eGDCRestoring your name to the register
If you're no longer registered and you would like to practise in the UK again, you will need to apply for restoration to the register. You may have been removed from the register due to working abroad, taking a career break, or not completing your annual renewal.
How do I apply for restoration?
Dentists or DCPs wishing to apply for restoration can access the online application process via eGDC, selecting the option 'Log in to eGDC' or 'New to eGDC'
Following completion of the online application process you will be issued with a personalised application form to download, print, sign and submit along with your supporting documents.
You will also be required to pay the restoration fee, send CPD evidence (download a CPD activity log template here), a Personal Development Plan (download a PDP template here). If necessary, you may need to send a certificate of current professional status and change of details form.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are available to applicants who might find using the online eGDC route to registration difficult. Please contact us
to request a reasonable adjustment.
How much does restoration cost?
How much restoration costs depends on when you wish to restore your name to the Register. If you return your restoration form to us in the two months before the annual retention fee for your profession is due, you will also need to include this in your payment. This will ensure you are registered for the following registration year.
Do I need to send any evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)?
Whether you will need to send in any CPD evidence depends on how long you have been off the Register and if your cycle has ended in that time. Details are included in your application form and you can also refer to this Enhanced CPD guidance for professionals.
Do I need to provide a Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) ?
You will need to provide a Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) if you have been practising overseas during the time you have been off the Register. This should be from the relevant authority of the country or state in which you last practised. A form to request a CCPS can be downloaded here.
Do I need to demonstrate evidence of knowledge of the English Language?
If you have been registered by the GDC and then you leave the register for whatever reason, including if you have failed to pay the Annual Retention Fee, we must be satisfied that you have the necessary knowledge of English before we can restore your name to the register. In these circumstances we will apply the criteria for determining whether you have the necessary knowledge of English which is required for registration.
If you are a UK-qualified applicant returning to the register, you may not need to provide additional evidence or information if we are satisfied about your knowledge of English from your application. For further information visit our English language controls page
How long will restoration take?
We will endeavour to assess your application within 10 working days from the date we receive it, however this timeframe can increase during peak processing times. Please note that delays can also occur if the form is not completed correctly and/or if there are any concerns raised within your application which will require us to assess it further before we can register you.
I have been practising in the UK while I was off the register, what should I do?
If you were working in the UK while your name was erased from the register, you will need to explain the circumstances in a letter. If this has occurred, you are advised to contact your solicitor or defence organisation before submitting your application.
Can I restore my name after erasure by the professional conduct committee (PCC)?
Since 31 July 2006 when the Dentists Act 1984 was amended, the PCC has operated under two parallel legal systems. If a complaint was received by the GDC before 31 July 2006 then the case is considered under ‘old rules’; if it was received after 31 July 2006 then it is considered under ‘new rules’.
A dental professional whose name has been erased from the Register under the 'old rules' may apply for restoration to the Register 10 months after they have been erased. The applicant may also submit testimonials from persons of standing in support of the application. Under the ‘new rules' a dental professional may apply for restoration five years after they have been erased.
To assist the PCC in considering these applications, the GDC's solicitor first recalls the evidence which led to the erasure. The dental professional applying to be restored to the Register may then address the committee and call witnesses in support of the application. The applicant may be represented by counsel or a solicitor at the hearing.
Under the 'new rules' the PCC may decide to restore a practitioner's name subject to certain conditions. The committee may also decide to impose these conditions with immediate effect.