Dental nurses are the largest group of dental care professionals (DCPs) in the UK, and their numbers on the General Dental Council (GDC) register have been steadily increasing. According to data from the GDC, there were 65,797 dental nurses registered in 2025, a substantial rise from 59,238 in 2023.
Why are nurses rejoining the register?
We've noticed a growing trend of nurses rejoining the register. Since 22 August we have been running a survey with those who have enrolled on our re-registration enhanced CPD programme. Of the 38 respondents so far, 28 have successfully completed the registration process.
Here are some of the key findings from our survey so far:
- Time off the register: 43% of respondents had been off the GDC register for 6 or more years, demonstrating that a long break does not prevent a successful return. 8% were off for less than a year, 29% were off for 1-3 years, while 20% were off for 4-5 years.
- Overall reasons for leaving the profession: A career change (to a non-dental role) was the most common reason for leaving, cited by 35% of respondents. Personal or family reasons followed closely at 27%, and maternity/caring leave accounted for 11%.
- Overall reasons for returning: The top motivator for returning was a passion for the job, cited by 35% of respondents. Financial reasons were the next most common at 16%.
Getting back on the register improvements
The GDC has made it easier for professionals to restore their names to the register if they have been off it for less than 12 months, provided they have complied with their CPD requirements. Our survey so far is showing that over half of those who have re-registered (53%) were able to do so in under three months, with 22% completing the process in less than a month. We find it fascinating to hear the stories of those who have left and are now returning, bringing with them a diverse range of experiences from other industries. We've also had conversations with dental nurses who are contemplating leaving the profession to try something new, like joining the police force. Hearing from both groups gives us a unique perspective on the career paths of dental nurses.
Reference:
General Dental Council (2025). The number of UK-registered dental care professionals rises again. Available at: https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/news/detail/2025/08/15/number-of-uk-registered-dental-care-professionals-rises-again (Accessed: 20 August 2025).
Statistics updated 03/09/25