GDC Consultation on routes to registration for internationally qualified dental professionals

The GDC has launched a 12-week consultation on routes to registration for internationally qualified dental professionals. They are also calling for evidence to inform and support their longer terms plans for a comprehensive framework for international registration. Please read their bulletin below for more information: 

In March we secured the powers to make new rules for the registration of those who qualify outside the UK. We are moving at pace to ensure we can continue to facilitate international registration, over the short to medium term, and deliver modest improvements to capacity while we develop a modernised process for the registration of those who qualify outside the UK.  

Our consultation proposes new rules setting out the standards and processes for the assessment of qualifications of dentists and DCPs who qualify outside the UK that are broadly in line with the current arrangements. We are also proposing changes to the way we set fees for the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), to ensure fairness in the way costs are allocated and to remove the financial constraints associated with increasing the number of exam places.

We are not proposing any changes to the standards we apply to the assessment of applications from those who qualify outside the UK. 

We have called for evidence on how we can be assured that dental professionals have the necessary level of skills, knowledge, and experience required to practise dentistry in the UK. That assessment is currently done through the ORE process for dentists and an independent assessment of qualifications for DCPs.

We have invited views on the potential future structure of the ORE and whether there is a need for a practical assessment for DCPs. 

This exercise is an important first step towards creating a comprehensive framework for international registration that will deliver meaningful improvements to our processes while maintaining public safety and confidence.

Our consultation and call for evidence are an opportunity to work with us to shape the way we assess international qualifications for entry to the UK registers.

The deadline for responses is 23.59 on 26 September 2023.

You can find further details about the consultation online.