A UK dentist completes a ~5-year BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), gains full GDC registration (temporary registration is not accepted for Dental Foundation Training), and undertakes ~1 year of Dental Foundation Training (DFT). A separate NHS Performer Number is required to perform NHS general dental services — full GDC registration does not automatically grant it.
Sources & verification
- UK dentists complete a BDS, gain full GDC registration and Dental Foundation Training; a separate NHS Performer Number is required for NHS general dental services, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- We protect patients by ensuring all dental professionals are registered before they work in the UK., source, Last verified 2026-10-15
Verified reference information, not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.