MyGDCRestoring your name to the register
If you're no longer registered and you would like to practise in the UK again, you will need to apply for restoration to the register. You may have come off the register due to working abroad, taking a career break, or not completing your annual renewal.
Before you apply
Please read this section and Key facts about registration before you start the online application process for restoration to the Register.
Character reference
You must provide a character reference. Please download the form and ask your character referee to complete it. You should then scan and upload the document where indicated within the online application.
Who can be a character referee?
Your character reference can be provided by another professional such as a doctor, dentist or lawyer who has known you for over 12 months. The character reference cannot be provided by a member of your family.
The person providing you with a character reference must also sign (certify) all documents you provide with your application. See the ‘Certifying documents’ section below.
We will accept either a handwritten signature or a scanned signature. Once the form is completed, it can be printed, signed, and scanned. Alternatively, a scanned signature (for example a JPEG or PNG image file) can be inserted into the electronic document.
Typed signatures will not be accepted.
Proof of identity
You will be taken through an online identity check, which works best on a mobile phone. For this you will need one of the following types of ID:
• A valid passport
• A UK photocard driving licence
Certifying documents
The person certifying the photocopies of your documents must be your character referee. Your referee will need to see your original documents before they certify a photocopy. Photocopies must be copies of the original document.
Continuous professional development (CPD)
You will need to select one of the following three CPD declarations:
- You have been off the register for less than 12 months and not previously been removed for not complying with CPD requirements. You will need to make a declaration about the CPD you have completed.
- You have been off the register for more than 12 months, but less than five years, and not previously been removed for not complying with CPD requirements. You will need to submit evidence of verifiable CPD completed since the start of your current cycle. The evidence we require is verifiable CPD certificates, your CPD activity log and your Personal Development Plan (PDP).
- You have been off the register for more than five years, or have been removed from the register for not complying with CPD requirements at any time. You will need to submit five years of verifiable CPD evidence. The evidence we require is verifiable CPD certificates, your CPD activity log and your PDP.
DCPs should read DCPs: CPD requirements for restoration and dentists should read Dentists: CPD requirements for restoration for detailed information.
Fees
If your application is successful, you will be asked to pay a registration fee. The amount you pay depends on the date at which you are registered with the GDC. Please visit the registration fees section of our website for more information.
Please note: an administration charge of £10 will be added to the registration fee if you wish us to return any original documents you have submitted.
How long will it take?
We aim to assess complete applications within 15 working days from the date we receive it. This timeframe can increase during peak processing times.
Can I restore my name after erasure by the GDC?
Yes, you may be able to apply to have your name restored to the register after erasure. The rules that apply depend on when the complaint was received by the GDC.
Since 31 July 2006 (when the Dentists Act 1984 was amended), the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) has operated under two legal frameworks:
- Old rules where the complaint was received before 31 July 2006
- New rules where the complaint was received on or after 31 July 2006
When can I apply?
The earliest point you can apply depends on which rules apply:
- Old rules: you may apply 10 months after the date of erasure. You may also submit testimonials from persons of standing in support of your application
- New rules: you may apply five years after the date of erasure.
What happens at a restoration hearing?
To help the PCC consider an application for restoration, the GDC’s solicitor will first summarise the evidence that led to the erasure. You can then address the committee and call witnesses in support of your application. You may be represented at the hearing by a solicitor or counsel.
Can the PCC impose conditions?
Under the new rules, if the PCC decides to restore your name, it may do so subject to conditions. The PCC may also decide that any conditions apply immediately.