I reported last year on the transformational journey for the College, as we approach our fifth anniversary, developing new approaches to our role as a professional body, working in the public interest – in an era of continuing and fast-paced change in dentistry, wider healthcare and society. Our journey continues, with some notable milestones in this past year. Following the demitting of Dr Abhi Pal as President, we have been delighted to welcome Dr Roshni Karia as the second President of the College, chairing our College Council and providing the professional leadership of the College. Abhi himself has continued to provide energetic leadership himself, as immediate Past President, continuing to develop those interests in postgraduate training that he initiated in his Presidency. We are grateful to them both for their commitment to the College.
We have developed discussions with many stakeholders on the most effective role that the College can play to support careers and training. Just as our predecessor organisation led the development of postgraduate level skills training for dentists, so we now see ourselves as leaders in credentialing – and not just for dentists. Credentialing is the process of verifying that an individual has the necessary qualifications, education, training, and experience to perform a specific professional role. For ourselves, this goes beyond holding qualifications, giving much-needed recognition for sustained clinical performance in practice. Look out for announcements on our new scheme over the coming months.
Before demitting, Abhi Pal was able to announce the securing of a pathway to MSc from Associate Fellowship of the College, with Aston University. This is a special opportunity for the many practitioners who wish to progress their studies but otherwise find it difficult for their knowledge and skills to be given formal credit toward a Master’s degree; on completion with a research project, the MSc will give further qualification toward Fellowship (fulfilling the requirements in the Research Domain).
The market for Dental qualifications has proliferated in recent years, and it’s difficult to distinguish the variety of “Diplomas” awarded: their level of study and integrity as qualifications. We are now publishing verified qualifications in the Register of Members & Fellows; recognised qualifications must meet a standard for accreditation, level and duration of study. More will be done in this area, but this first step is an important one in setting a bar for the dizzying array of course providers.
Our credentialing ambitions will inevitably be focused on the more experienced practitioner. For those at an earlier stage in their career, we have been delighted to deepen our collaboration with Tom Bereznicki and his Foundation, with the launch of the CGDent-GC Award and the development of plans for a first seminar on occlusion, aimed at early career Dentists and Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists. Tom’s infectious enthusiasm for passing on skills and knowledge inspires us all.
Implant Dentistry has featured significantly in our work during the year, with a two-volume theme of the Primary Dental Journal devoted to the subject, and the launch of the College’s Register of Mentors in Implant Dentistry, with the Association for Dental Implantology (ADI) and International Team in Implantology (ITI). The College’s Training Standards in Implant Dentistry continues to provide an authoritative anchor for our work in this arena.
Retirement does not need to be the end of a career in dentistry, and the College has been keen to retain and benefit from the years of experience and wisdom of those who have retired from practice. With this in mind, the 1992 Circle of retired practitioners has been extended, beyond Fellows, as an automatic offering to all Members & Fellows of the College who have retired. Members of the 1992 Circle receive special invitations to events, usually linked to our Fellows Receptions. A wonderful excuse to get together as part of our thriving professional community.
We were pleased to see the appointment of a Fellow of the College to the post of Chief Dental Officer for England (not the only Chief Dental Officer with that status!). In the post-pandemic reassessment of dental services, we have contributed to the National Audit Office’s investigation of decisions made in the Government’s Dental Recovery Plan, and in other arenas concerned with putting NHS Dentistry back on track. Progress has been slow, and a change in Government has the potential to shift agendas again. The College will continue to make the distinctive and constructive contribution that is the hallmark of a professional body working in the public interest, with our distinctive outlook reflecting the contribution of the whole dental team.
An important project in association with Haleon explored the potential of, and barriers to effective oral health advice delivered through dental practices, and highlighted the role of the whole team in an effective strategy within practices. The Dental Barometer was published in the summer of 2024, followed by a parliamentary briefing – at a time when a broader interest in preventative care was coming to the fore, and a new Government giving thought to its own priorities.
The work of the College could not progress without the generous contribution made by many people, united by a passion to improve oral healthcare and to improve the prospects for our professional community to provide the service they aspire to for their patients. There are many I could mention, but in particular let me draw attention to our College Council and Faculty Boards. Opportunities arise each year for fresh talent to be brought on board, as is amply demonstrated in our recent appointments and elections. One worthy of special mention is that of Prof Avijit Banerjee as Chair of the Faculty of Dentists. Avi has been a committed Fellow of the College, and has motivated much of the development of our Career Pathways, for all the oral healthcare team.
I am grateful to my fellow Trustees for their support and guidance over the past year. In 2024, we said goodbye to Dr Janet Clarke MBE, who had continued for a period after her own service as Chair. Janet oversaw the key period of transition from FGDP(UK) and the early stages of development of the organisation, capping a career of some considerable achievement.
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".
The promotion and encouragement of the study and practice of the art and science of dental surgery including in particular (but without limitation) general dentist practice ancillary to such general dental surgery.
The College is an inclusive, authoritative body, working for patients and embracing the whole dental team.
We set standards, provide career pathways and lead thought for the future of dentistry.
The College’s objectives were met through the activities set out in this report.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Trustees are proud of the continued growth and development of the College over the last year. Our membership community continues to grow, and in particular we have been delighted to welcome more Associate Fellows to the College, many of whom will aim to progress to Fellowship.
In recognition of the College’s unique focus on the whole of the dental team, we have further strengthened the roles of our Faculties. The Faculties support Council with engagement of each of the dental team roles. Four representatives were elected by the College membership to sit on Council: one each representing dentists; dental hygienists and dental therapists; dental nurses and orthodontic therapists; and dental technicians and clinical dental technicians.
The Implant Mentor Register was launched in 2024, in partnership with the ADI and ITI. We are planning on building on the success of this by creating registers of expertise in other areas, supporting high standards in a diverse market.
There has also been significant work on developing a credentialling scheme, recognising the development of special interests in key areas of dental practice. We have worked collaboratively with many partner organisations, including the GDC, and the specialist societies. The formal launch of this scheme is planned for 2025-26.
In order to achieve our objectives, we assess success in terms of sustainable membership numbers and revenues.
The Statement of Financial Activities is shown in the following pages. The Trustees confirm that the charity’s assets are available and adequate to fulfil its financial obligations.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
The results for the year are shown in the statement of financial activities in this report and show the net incoming resources for the year of £92,327 (2024: £72.876) which together with the reserves brought forward of £431,393 (2024: £358,517) gives a total reserves figure of £523,720 (2024: £431,393) of this amount, £505,299 (2024: £431,393) is unrestricted.
The Trustee Board also continues to meet to oversee the proper running of the organisation and to monitor performance in the fulfilment of their legal and regulatory duties. Dr Horton continues to chair the Trustee Board.
The charity plans to continue it's operations in order to continue achieving its charitable objectives. Furthermore, we aim to pursue a Royal Charter, elevating the standing of general dentistry alongside its medical peers, and appealing to the culture of service in society that underpins the very best in healthcare professionalism. We have the support of the key agencies and institutions across healthcare to make our case, and we are convinced that this is the time for such an institution to emerge.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and consequently does not have share capital.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The method of appointment of directors/trustees is detailed in the Charity's Articles of Association, at sections 34-38. Recruitment of trustees is managed by the Board.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).
The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:
settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction;
ensure that suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment by inclusion of the relevant terms in contracts; and
pay in accordance with the company's contractual and other legal obligations..
The CGDent staff team has retained its experienced team members, and successfully recruited an additional membership officer to help support the growth of the College’s membership base.
The College Council continues to meet via its’ formal face to face meeting schedule, as well as additional online meetings to progress developments . Annual elections were held in April 2024. Six new regional representatives were elected, along with four Faculty representatives, one for each of the dental team role faculties, representing dental nurses and orthodontic therapists; dentists; hygienists and therapists; and technologists and clinical dental technologist. These were new roles on the Council.
The Trustee Board also continues to meet to oversee the proper running of the organisation and to monitor performance in the fulfilment of their legal and regulatory duties. Dr Michael Horton continues to chair the Trustee Board. Janet Clarke completed her term of office during the year, and an application and interview process was held for her replacement as a clinical trustee. Roy Bennett was subsequently appointed.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of The College of General Dentistry for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The College of General Dentistry (the charity) for the year ended 28 February 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 11 to 21 form part of these financial statements.
The College of General Dentistry is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
£949 was reimbursed for directly incurred travel expenses to one trustee (2024 – £nil to any trustees).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. At the balance sheet date, unpaid contributions of £4,812 (2024 - £4,230) were due to the fund and are included in creditors.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
Details of funds
The general fund included in unrestricted funds, less fixed assets, represent the free funds of the charity, which are not designated for a particular purpose.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with the specific restrictions imposed by the donors, or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The Coat of Arms Fund is held for the purposes of establishing a Coat of Arms for the Charity. The Early Years Project is for the purpose of supporting continuous development in the early stages of people’s career.
Further details on the charity's objectives can be found in the report of the Trustees.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
The comparative Statement of Financial Activities has been restated. The prior year's expenditure included £517,913 of expenditure recognised as 'other' - this has been restated and included within 'expenditure on charitable activities'. There has been no change to the surplus reported last year, or the balance sheet.