Overseas-qualified dentists (with a non-recognised qualification) register with the GDC by passing the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) — Part 1 (written) and Part 2 (clinical) — plus English-language evidence. The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) from a Royal College is an accepted equivalent alternative. Unlike the US, the UK route is exam-based (no requirement to re-do dental school), which makes it comparatively accessible to internationally-trained dentists.
At a glance
- GDC target time to assess a complete ORE application
- 60 working days from receipt; can be longer at peak times[2]
Entry requirements & restrictions
- Qualification evidence for ORE application
- Certified copy of qualification certificate plus UK ENIC Statement of Comparability[3]
- Certificate of Good Standing / Certificate of Current Professional Status
- Original required if worked outside UK as a dental professional; from the last country worked, plus the country of qualification if different; not more than 3 months old at registration[4]
Sources & verification
- Overseas dentists register with the GDC via the ORE (Part 1 written + Part 2 clinical) or the Royal College LDS; the UK route is exam-based, not a re-qualification, source, Last verified 2026-06-12
- GDC target time to assess a complete ORE application: 60 working days from receipt; can be longer at peak times, source, Last verified 2026-10-15 🔶
- Qualification evidence for ORE application: Certified copy of qualification certificate plus UK ENIC Statement of Comparability, source, Last verified 2026-10-15
- Certificate of Good Standing / Certificate of Current Professional Status: Original required if worked outside UK as a dental professional; from the last country worked, plus the country of qualification if different; not more than 3 months old at registration, 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.