GDC moves to clear registration backlog

DELAYS in processing registration applications to the General Dental Council have been almost fully resolved, the regulator has said.

Dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) who wanted to join the register for the first time, submit their annual renewal or be restored back onto the register had faced lengthy waiting times in 2022.

The GDC said the delays had been caused by a combination of factors, including staff shortages and higher than expected numbers of DCP applications – many of which were incomplete or incorrect.

Writing in a recent blog, GDC chief operating officer Gurvinder Soomal said summer had been “a particularly challenging time for us” as illness and recruitment challenges reduced the head count of their UK registration team by more than 40 per cent.

He said the regulator introduced a number of measures to reduce the backlog, including seconding staff from other teams, accepting new UK dentist applications earlier than usual and providing greater support for dental nurses in filling out their applications.

“I’m pleased to say that we are now within our normal processing times for any new UK application received, and our focus is on clearing any remaining outstanding restoration applications,” he said.

To reduce the chance of delays, he urged anyone looking to restore their registration to take care when filling out their applications, particularly in relation to CPD requirements. He also encouraged clinicians to renew their registration ahead of the deadline.