What Are the GDC CPD Requirements You Need to Know? How to Stay Compliant
As a dental professional in the UK, there are specific GDC CPD requirements that you need to know in order to stay compliant. Compliance is key in avoiding claims and putting your best foot forward in your defence with the help of an indemnity provider like Densura UK.
The Key GDC CPD Requirements at a Glance:
These are the key requirements to consider:
- The Importance of Upholding the 9 Core Principles
- Completing the Required Hours of Verifiable Enhanced CPD Over 5 Years
- Embedding Core Safety Topics into Your Studies
- Completing the Annual Registration Renewal & CPD Statement
Let’s further unpack these requirements so you can effectively aim for compliance.
A Closer Look at GDC CPD Requirements
- The Importance of Upholding the 9 Core Principles
The first thing to be careful of is making sure that you uphold the GDC’s 9 core principles in any skill or knowledge expansion. From putting patients’ interests first to ensuring that patients’ information is kept private and safe, it is vital that all dentists prioritise the core principles in any developmental education so that compliance is maintained and any teachings are in accordance with the GDC’s 4 Development Outcomes.
- Completing the Required Hours of Verifiable Enhanced CPD Over 5 Years
The next key compliance factor in GDC CPD endeavours is that dentists must satisfy the correct requirements for verifiable enhanced CPD over 5 years for their specific qualification. The required time is as follows:
| Qualification | Hours of CPD |
| Dentist | 100 |
| Dental Hygienist | 75 |
| Dental Nurse | 50 |
The CPD must also be spread out over the course of 5 years and at least 10 hours of CPD should be carried out over a rolling two year period. Two consecutive years of zero hours cannot be submitted. The CPD must also be accurately and comprehensively recorded as well as verifiable, meaning you must have the necessary proof of your skills development.
- Embedding Core Safety Topics into Your Studies
Another fundamental of the GDC CPD requirements is that you must ensure key safety topics are covered extensively in your development. Topics such as disinfection and decontamination as well as ethical or legal issues must be addressed in training so that you and your practice are well-equipped and minimising the risk of any negligence or potential claims.
- Completing the Annual Registration Renewal & CPD Statement
GDC CPD compliance is also reliant on ensuring that you have renewed your annual registration by completing your registration fee as well as indemnity application. You must also submit your annual CPD statement in order to effectively stay compliant.
Ready to Get Started?
Remaining compliant is key in avoiding claims and indemnity risk, but Densura’s comprehensive indemnity cover for dentists is a trusted key in significantly mitigating risk and staying equipped when claims inevitably arise. Free CPD access is also available to all Dentists with a Densura policy. Reach out to our team and request a quote today!
If you have any questions before you begin, our team is happy to talk you through the process. We understand the dental profession, and we’re here to make sure you’re properly protected.
Densura provides professional indemnity tailored to UK dental professionals. All quotes are subject to individual assessment and underwriting.
Written and reviewed on 13 July 2026
