How many CPD hours do dentists need under the GDC eCPD scheme?

Dentists must complete a minimum of 100 hours of verifiable CPD over each five-year Enhanced CPD cycle. The cycle runs 1 January to 31 December, and you submit an annual CPD statement to the GDC each year (for dentists, by 28 January). You also have to do at least 10 hours in any two consecutive years and link each activity to one of the four development outcomes (A to D), with reflection and evidence recorded. Confirm your own deadline on the GDC eGDC portal.

How many CPD hours do hygienists and therapists need?

Dental hygienists and dental therapists each need 75 hours of verifiable CPD per five-year cycle. The same 75-hour figure applies to orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians. Their CPD cycle runs 1 August to 31 July, and at least 10 hours must fall within any two consecutive years.

Do I have to keep a personal development plan (PDP)?

Yes. You must keep a personal development plan (PDP) and a CPD record, and retain them for five years after the cycle ends. The PDP is for your own planning; the GDC may ask to see it to confirm you are keeping the required records, but it does not assess the specific learning you choose. Each logged activity should record its subject, hours, date, development outcome, evidence of participation, quality-assurance confirmation and your reflection.

What happens if I do not complete my CPD requirements?

Failure to complete and declare your CPD can lead to removal from the dental register — meaning you can no longer practise legally in the UK. You can apply for a grace period no earlier than six months before your cycle ends; if granted, it adds time to finish outstanding hours. Restoration after removal requires completing the outstanding CPD and paying a restoration fee.

GDC CPD Requirements 2026: Hours by Registrant Type

Q: How many CPD hours does a dental nurse need?

Dental nurses (and dental technicians) need 50 hours of verifiable CPD over the five-year cycle — not 75. The 75-hour requirement applies to dental hygienists, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians. If you hold more than one title, you must meet the requirement for the title with the higher number of hours. All DCP cycles run 1 August to 31 July.

Q: Are any CPD topics mandatory under Enhanced CPD?

No specific subject is mandatory by hours under Enhanced CPD. The GDC recommends topics, and highly recommends three with suggested minimums: medical emergencies (at least 10 hours per cycle and 2 hours per year), disinfection and decontamination (at least 5 hours per cycle), and radiography and radiation protection (at least 5 hours per cycle). These are recommendations, not legal minimums. The only hard rules are that counted CPD is verifiable, that you meet your total, and that you do at least 10 hours in any two-year period.

Clinically reviewed by Mohammad Noori, GDC No. 310862. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Under the GDC Enhanced CPD (eCPD) scheme, the minimum verifiable hours per five-year cycle are: dentists 100; dental hygienists, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists and clinical dental technicians 75; and dental nurses and dental technicians 50 — not 75. If you hold more than one title, you meet the higher requirement.

No CPD subject is mandatory by hours: the GDC recommends topics and highly recommends medical emergencies (at least 10 hours per cycle and 2 hours a year), disinfection and decontamination (at least 5 hours per cycle) and radiography (at least 5 hours per cycle) — these are recommendations, not legal minimums. Dentists submit an annual CPD statement by 28 January (cycle 1 January to 31 December); DCPs by 28 August (cycle 1 August to 31 July). Confirm your own deadline on the GDC eGDC portal.

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