The GDC explained it is able to maintain the ARF at the same level due to a combination of; sound financial management, reducing the level of the GDC’s reserves over the three-year plan, making use of legislative changes to amend Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) fees, and the continued growth in the size of the registers.
In 2024, the GDC revised its reserves policy, agreeing a target of three months of reserves at the end of the three-year planning period compared to the previous target of 4.5 months.
Earlier in 2024, the regulator increased ORE fees for the first time since 2015 and introduced an ORE application fee. According to the GDC, this has contributed towards the ORE becoming cost neutral and ensuring that costs can be charged where they are incurred, rather than from existing registrants.
Toby Harris, chair of the GDC, said, “I am very pleased that the council’s decision means that the ARF can continue unchanged in 2025, following the reduction which took effect last year. It follows years of developing a strong culture of operational planning and delivery along with sound financial rigour.
“The council’s priority is public protection and ensuring that the GDC can deliver its strategic objectives as an effective regulator is essential to this. It is also important that we understand and respond to the needs of the dental sector and looking to provide stability in the ARF is one way we can do that.”
The council has also agreed to invest in activities that will further increase efficiency and effectiveness by improving online services and making better use of recorded data. Over time, these will improve the experience for dental professionals accessing online services, such as registration and renewal. The data will also help to increase transparency and build trust.
Tom Whiting, chief executive for the GDC, said, “Our priority is patient safety and public confidence in the dental team, and I believe that improving registrants’ experience of regulation is one way to ensure this. In the last five months I have met and listened to many dental professionals and stakeholders and their insight has been invaluable in helping me to understand the sector and the challenges faced.
“I see it as a good thing that, through improved planning and management, we can maintain the ARF at the same level and continue to invest to improve how we regulate over the next three years.”
He concluded, “Looking ahead, I’m really looking forward to doing even more to work with dental teams and organisations who care for the oral health of patients across the UK.”