The General Dental Council annual retention fee (ARF) collection is underway. Payment is due by the end of the year. This year's fee is £409 for dentists and £68 for dental hygienists and dental therapists. Reminder letters have gone out to all dentists on the Dentists Register and all dental hygienists and therapists on the Rolls of Dental Auxiliaries. They have until 31 December to make their payment and retain their name on the GDC's registers for 2006.