With effect from 1 June 2020, the administrative policy for Did-Not-Apply-Licence (DNAL) application has been rescinded by Council. Dentists on Full Registration who has no intention to engage in active practice of dentistry (for reasons such as pursuing higher education or accompanying spouses overseas, etc.), will not be required to apply for DNAL. Instead, they can decide not to renew their Practising Certificate (PC) and allow it to lapse after the expiry date.

Under section 20(2) of the Dental Registration Act, the Full Registration Dentist is allowed to stay "On" register for a period up to 5 years, after his/her expired PC has lapsed. If the dentist fails to renew his/her PC after 5 years, his/her name may be removed from the Register.