New registrants

Welcome to the UK dental profession.

Below is some helpful information for you when starting your career in the UK.

The GDC's role

We are a statutory organisation, separate from the Government and the NHS. We are funded by dental professionals' fees and we regulate the dental team. Find out more about the GDC,  what we do and who we regulate on these pages.

Registration

If you work in the UK, you must be registered with us. Details on how to join the register can be found here.  It is illegal to practise dentistry or provide tooth whitening if you are not GDC registered. You can confirm your registration status by searching our online register.

GDC Standards and Guidance

We have developed a Standards document that sets out the standards of conduct, performance and ethics that you must follow as a dental professional.

Scope of Practice for the dental team

The Scope of Practice guidance sets out the skills and abilities each group should have. It is not a list of tasks a dental professional can do. You should only carry out a task or treatment if you are sure you have the necessary skills, you are appropriately trained, you are competent and indemnified.

Indemnity guidance

You must have appropriate indemnity cover in place or be covered by an employer's policy before you start to practise as a dental professional. More information can be found on our indemnity page.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

You have a duty to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. More information can be found on our CPD page.

Keeping your details up to date

You can update your details on eGDC. Here you can administer your registration quickly and easily. You will need to provide your surname, ID verification code and date of birth. Your ID code can be found at the top of your initial registration letter. Frequently asked questions on updating your details can be found on this page.

Other useful organisations and guidance

To provide advice and support to registered dental professionals and patients with issues that we cannot help with, we have compiled a list of organisations and guidance that can. 

Find out about the latest news

All the latest GDC news, monthly newsletter and blogs can be found here. If we have your email address, you will receive our newsletter automatically. Check your contact details in eGDC.