GDC Registration for Overseas Dentists: The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE)

Registering to practise is not the same as studying dentistry

This guide is for dentists who qualified outside the UK (for example an Indian BDS graduate) and want a licence to practise dentistry in the UK. That is a registration process run by the General Dental Council (GDC) — it is separate from doing a UK dentistry (BDS) degree.

To work as a dentist in the UK you must be on the GDC register. For most overseas-qualified dentists whose qualification is not automatically recognised, the route to registration is the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), alongside English, identity and good-standing requirements.

This is general information, not registration advice — confirm every requirement on the GDC's own site before you act.

• Regulator: General Dental Council (GDC) — gdc-uk.org
• Goal: join the GDC register to practise in the UK
• Separate from: studying a BDS degree at a UK dental school

The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) — Part 1

The ORE is a two-part examination that tests the clinical knowledge and skills of dentists whose qualifications are not otherwise recognised in the UK. It is benchmarked to the standard of a newly qualified UK BDS graduate.

Part 1 is a computer-based written exam that assesses how you apply knowledge to clinical practice. You generally need to pass Part 1 before attempting Part 2. Because the exam blueprint, number of papers, pass approach and how long a Part 1 pass remains valid can change, treat these as details to confirm on the GDC site rather than fixed numbers.

• ORE tests dentists whose qualification is not automatically UK-recognised
• Part 1: computer-based written exam (applying knowledge to clinical practice)
• Usually must be passed before attempting Part 2 — verify current rules on gdc-uk.org

The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) — Part 2

Part 2 is a practical clinical examination, typically held in person over several days, assessing hands-on clinical skills, communication and professional judgement to the UK graduate standard.

Importantly, ORE delivery is changing: the GDC has confirmed a new provider (UCL Consultants) for both parts, with sittings under the new arrangements expected from around mid-to-late 2026 (first sittings confirmed for August 2026). That means the number of available sittings, the exact venues, the timetable and the fees may differ from older information online. Always check the current ORE pages on gdc-uk.org for confirmed dates and how to book — this is one area where out-of-date guidance is common.

• Part 2: in-person practical clinical exam, usually over several days
• New ORE provider confirmed (UCL Consultants); new-arrangement sittings expected from ~mid-2026
• Verify confirmed dates, venues and booking on gdc-uk.org — older info may be stale

English language and other requirements

As well as the ORE, you must satisfy the GDC's English language requirement (commonly via IELTS or OET to the level the GDC sets, or other accepted evidence), prove your identity and primary qualification, and meet good-character and good-health requirements.

Required English scores, accepted tests and validity windows are updated from time to time, so confirm the current requirement on the GDC site. Only after all requirements are met can you apply to join the register.

• English: IELTS/OET to the GDC-required level, or other accepted evidence
• Plus identity, qualification, good-character and good-health checks
• Confirm current English scores and validity on gdc-uk.org

Working in the UK after registration — the visa is separate

GDC registration lets you practise dentistry; it is not permission to live and work in the UK. If you are not a UK/Irish citizen you will generally also need an immigration route — commonly employer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route for a dentist post — which is a separate application to UK immigration.

Immigration rules, costs and thresholds change frequently and decisions rest with the authorities. Verify the current position on the official GOV.UK / UK immigration source before relying on it.

This is general information, not immigration advice.

• GDC registration ≠ a visa — you generally also need an immigration route
• Dentist posts are commonly sponsored under the Skilled Worker route (verify on GOV.UK)
• Rules change frequently — verify on GOV.UK; this is not immigration advice

Ireland is a separate regulator and exam

The GDC and ORE apply to the UK. To practise in the Republic of Ireland you register with the Dental Council of Ireland. Most dentists who qualified outside the EU, and who do not qualify through a recognition route, must pass the Dental Council Examination for Dentists to gain registration.

So the UK (GDC + ORE) and Ireland (Dental Council + Dental Council Examination) are two separate pathways with different exams, fees and timelines. Choose your target country first, then follow that regulator's official guidance.

Confirm Irish requirements on dentalcouncil.ie and UK requirements on gdc-uk.org.

• UK: General Dental Council (gdc-uk.org) — the two-part ORE
• Ireland: Dental Council of Ireland (dentalcouncil.ie) — the Dental Council Examination
• Two separate systems — decide your destination first