The General Dental Council has agreed there will be no increase in either the dentist or dental care professional (DCP) Annual Retention Fee for the next year.
This means for dentists the ARF will remain £576, due by 31 December 2012, and dental care professionals ARF will remain £120, due by 31 July 2013.
GDC budget plans
The decision was made at the Council meeting on 27 September 2012, when the GDC’s 2013 budget was approved.
Further investment is planned to improve and enhance the GDC’s performance including:
• Fitness to Practise reforms
• A move to introduce online registration service which will lead to a cut in administration costs from 2014
• Policy projects, notably the Standards Review, Direct Access, Scope of Practice, review of continuing professional development and Revalidation will be progressed
• The new process for inspecting education in the UK
• The continued implementation of electronic document and records management
• The redevelopment of 37 Wimpole Street offices.
Cost-effective regulation
During 2012, progress made on cost effectiveness initiatives has continued.
It is currently estimated that efficiency savings of the order of £2.8m will be achieved in 2012 resulting in cumulative savings over two years of some £3.6m
The decision to redevelop 37 Wimpole Street takes advantage of the existing lease.
It does not expire until 2057 and is held on a peppercorn rent. The redevelopment means the GDC reduces the need to rent additional premises to accommodate staff.
Compared to other options considered by Council, it was deemed to provide the best value for money.
