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.
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, verified 2026-06-12
Verified reference information — not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.