Requirement
At least 100 hours of verifiable CPD per five-year cycle, at least 10 hours in every two-year period
dentists need to do a minimum of 100 hours
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026completing a minimum of 10 hours of CPD in every two-year period
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026
Period / cycle
The first cycle starts at the start of the first full year of registration; CPD years for dentists run from 1 January to 31 December.
You will start your first CPD cycle at the start of your first full year of registration with the GDC.
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026for dentists 1 January to 31 December
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026
Details
Annual CPD statement at renewal, a personal development plan (PDP) linking activities to at least one development outcome, evidence (certificate) for verifiable CPD.
Make a CPD statement as part your annual renewal of registration
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026maintaining a personal development plan linking activities to at least one development outcome
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026
Highly recommended topics (not mandatory): medical emergencies at least 10 hours per cycle and 2 hours every year; disinfection and decontamination at least 5 hours; radiography and radiation protection at least 5 hours if you take radiographs.
we recommend at least 10 hours in each CPD cycle, and at least two hours of this type of activity every year
Recommended CPD topics · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026if you undertake radiography, we recommend at least five hours in each cycle
Recommended CPD topics · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026
If the requirement is not met
Registrants who do not meet the minimum requirements or do not make an annual statement may be removed from the register. A 56-day grace period can be requested.
may be removed from the register by the GDC’s Registrar
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026If approved, we will give you an additional 56 days to complete your CPD, known as a grace period.
CPD scheme · General Dental Council · read on 17 October 2026