Overseas Dentists Working in the UK
Dentists who qualified overseas must navigate several legal and professional requirements to practise in the UK. At Atwal Law, we specialise in immigration law and can assist overseas dentists in understanding and fulfilling these requirements.
Key Areas to Consider
- Qualification and Registration
- Additional Training After Registration
- Permission to Work (Visa/Immigration/Sponsorship)
- Resources and Support
1. Qualification and Registration
The path to registration depends on where a dentist obtained their qualification:
Dentists Qualified in the European Economic Area (EEA):
Despite Brexit, the UK government has extended quasi-automatic registration arrangements for EEA-qualified dentists until at least June 2028.
Dentists Qualified Outside the EEA:
Most non-EEA dentists must pass the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Overseas Registration Exam (ORE). However, dentists qualified before 2000 in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, or South Africa may be exempt.
Future Developments:
Proposals for a provisional registration system for overseas dentists were consulted on by the Department of Health and Social Care in 2024. However, this remains a long-term initiative and is not yet available.
Temporary Registration:
Temporary registration allows dentists to work in limited settings, such as university or hospital posts, under supervision. However, it does not lead to full registration and offers limited preparation for the ORE.
2. The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE)
The ORE assesses whether overseas-qualified dentists meet the UK standards of dental practice. It consists of two parts, and candidates must demonstrate knowledge, clinical skills, and competence as outlined in the GDC’s Preparing for Practice document.
Key requirements include:
- Clinical Experience: At least 1,600 hours of hands-on patient care.
- English Proficiency: An IELTS Academic certificate with an overall score of 7.0 and no module below 6.5 is often required.
- ENIC Statement of Comparability: This validates your qualifications.
Applications are processed through the GDC, and exam places are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates must pass Part 2 within five years of completing Part 1.
3. Additional Training After Registration
Once registered, overseas dentists can practise privately. However, to work within the NHS, additional steps are required depending on the UK nation:
- England: Dentists must apply through Primary Care Support England (PCSE) to join the Performers List. A structured conversation and potentially an Educational/Clinical Support Plan (ECSP) are part of this process.
- Wales: A Performer Validation by Experience (PLVE) process requires mentoring and the completion of a portfolio.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: Dentists must complete specific vocational training and submit forms for approval before joining NHS dental lists.
4. Permission to Work (Visa/Immigration/Sponsorship)
All overseas dentists must hold the appropriate visa to work in the UK. This usually requires sponsorship from a UK-based dental practice.
The most common visa is the Health and Care Worker Visa, which allows dentists to work in the UK under sponsorship. Sponsors must apply to the Home Office, pay a fee, and provide necessary documentation.
For further support, we recommend working with a qualified immigration lawyer, such as Atwal Law, to ensure your application is successful and stress-free.
At Atwal Law, we are here to assist you in navigating the complexities of UK immigration and registration requirements for overseas dentists. Whether you need help with visas, sponsorship, or guidance on legal procedures, our experienced team is ready to support you.
Contact us today at T.07973 760075 for expert advice and assistance.
