Indemnity guidance

Dental professionals are required by law to have appropriate indemnity or insurance in place before they practise. This is to ensure any patient who suffers harm in the course of a treatment can seek appropriate compensation. 

Dental professionals are also required by the GDC to declare that they have, or will have, indemnity or insurance in place to cover their work. This must be done when joining the GDC register and during the annual renewal periods (November/December for Dentists and June/July for Dental Care Professionals).

For more information, download our Guidance on indemnity and insurance.

The Guidance on Indemnity and Insurance has been updated following a consultation in 2023.

Although the updated guidance does not introduce any new requirements for dental professionals, it clarifies the requirements around holding cover that will compensate patients who have suffered harm, in the event of a successful claim. This updated guidance now includes an explanation of the different types of cover available and the additional benefits that dental professionals should consider when arranging cover, such as advice and support for their wellbeing during a claim.

The guidance also now includes a checklist and series of questions for dental professionals to consider when choosing an indemnity or insurance cover – all of which is there to make it easier for dental professionals to decide on the type and level of cover they’ll need to protect themselves and their patients.