Routes to practising dentistry in the UK
To work as a dentist in the UK you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Which route you take depends on where and when you qualified.
The routes at a glance
| Route | Who it's for | Run by | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) | Dentists whose qualifications are not recognised for UK registration | GDC (delivered by UCL Consultants from Sept 2026) | Part 1: computer-based, held in person. Part 2: in-person practical clinical skills exam over several days |
| Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) | Dentists with primary dental qualifications from outside the UK | Royal College of Surgeons of England | Part 1: remote written exam. Part 2: in person, 2 days. Part 3: in person, 1 day |
| EEA recognition | Dentists whose EEA qualification was listed in the EU professional qualifications directive before the end of 2020 | GDC | "Quasi-automatic" recognition, available until 2028 |
| Direct registration (limited) | Dentists who qualified before the end of 2000 in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia or South Africa | GDC | May be eligible without an exam |
Sources:GDC: Overseas Registration ExamRCS England: Licence in Dental SurgeryBDA: ORE, LDS and eligibility to practise dentistry in the UKLast checked 23 Sept 2026
The ORE in more detail
The GDC describes Part 1 as testing "your ability to apply your knowledge of clinical practice" and Part 2 as testing "practical clinical skills". You apply for registration once you have passed.
Capacity under the new contract
| Exam | Before | Under the new contract |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 places a year | 1,800 | 2,400 |
| Part 2 places a year | 720 | 944 in year one, rising to 1,500 by year three |
Since new rules came into force on 9 March 2024, overseas-qualified dentists pay an application processing fee to sit the ORE, as well as the exam fees. Check current fees and English language requirements on the GDC's ORE pages before you apply.
Sources:GDC news, 9 Mar 2026: More details on new ORE contractGDC: International registration reformsGDC: Overseas Registration ExamLast checked 23 Sept 2026
The LDS in more detail
RCS England describes the LDS as "a globally-recognised qualification designed for dentists with primary dental qualifications from outside the UK". Passing it lets you register with the GDC. It has three parts, taken in order.
Sources:RCS England: Licence in Dental SurgeryLast checked 23 Sept 2026
Routes that are closed or not going ahead
- Registering as a dental care professional (DCP): this route for overseas dentists closed on 8 March 2023.
- Provisional registration: in August 2025 the BDA reported that the UK Government "is not intending to take forward the proposals at this time." The BDA's advice was to apply for the ORE rather than wait.
Sources:BDA: ORE, LDS and eligibility to practise dentistry in the UKBDA: Provisional registration for dentists from abroadLast checked 23 Sept 2026
After registration: working in the NHS in England
To provide NHS dental care in England you also need to join the NHS England Dental Performers List. Since 1 April 2023, applicants who are not exempt from dental foundation training apply through the National Performers List process, and NHS England charges no fee for this.
Sources:COPDEND: Guidance for international dental graduatesPCSE: Dental performers listLast checked 23 Sept 2026
Preparation courses
Exam-preparation courses are not accredited by the GDC. Treat pass-rate claims with care. See rated ORE and LDS preparation courses →