GDC Dental Registration
Your pathway to
GDC registration
in the UK.
Internationally qualified dentists from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Egypt register with the General Dental Council through the Overseas Registration Exam — a two-part assessment delivered in the UK. We guide you through every step.
Overview
Why you need GDC registration to practise dentistry in the UK.
The General Dental Council (GDC) is the UK regulator for dentists, dental hygienists, therapists and technicians. Every dentist practising in the UK must hold a current GDC number. Without this you cannot legally provide dental treatment in NHS or private practice — and you cannot be sponsored on a Health and Care Worker Visa.
Internationally qualified dentists who trained outside the UK and the European Economic Area must pass the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) — a two-part assessment consisting of a written Part 1 and a practical Part 2, both delivered in the UK.
Full GDC registration & ORE guideORE Part 1 — Written
Paper A (clinical sciences) and Paper B (clinical dentistry). Multiple-choice and extended matching questions. Delivered at UK centres. 3 hours each paper.
ORE Part 2 — Clinical
Three-day practical assessment: OSCE, dental manikin tasks, treatment planning and diagnostics, and medical emergencies. Delivered at the RCS England in London.
GDC number — right to practise
On passing both ORE parts and submitting final documents, the GDC issues your registration number. You are then fully registered and can apply for UK dental positions.
Eligibility
What you need to qualify for GDC registration.
Recognised dental qualification
A primary dental degree (BDS, DDS or equivalent) of at least 4,600 hours of study or 4 years duration from a recognised institution. The GDC checks that your qualification meets the EU Dental Directive 2005/36/EC standards.
Current dental registration
Active registration as a dentist with the dental regulator in your home country (PMDC Pakistan, DCI India, MDCN Nigeria, EDS Egypt). The GDC requires a Certificate of Good Standing dated within 3 months of application.
English language proficiency
IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with no individual band below 6.5. OET Dentistry: Grade B (350+) in reading, listening and speaking, and Grade C+ (300+) in writing. The test must be no more than 2 years old at point of GDC application.
Good character and health
No fitness to practise concerns, criminal convictions or ongoing investigations with your home country dental regulator. The GDC requires a Self-Declaration of Health and Good Character, plus references from a registered dentist who has known you for at least 3 years.
Step by step
From your overseas dental degree to GDC number.
GDC eligibility application
Submit your primary dental qualification and supporting documents to the GDC. Application fee: £900 (non-refundable). The GDC verifies your qualification meets the required standard. Decisions typically take 8–12 weeks.
English language test
Pass IELTS Academic (7.0 / 6.5) or OET Dentistry (B / C+) before progressing to the ORE. The test result must be valid at the point of your final GDC registration application — not just at the ORE.
ORE Part 1 — Written
A two-part written exam covering Paper A (clinical sciences) and Paper B (clinical dentistry). Held at King's College London and other UK centres. Fee: £806 per attempt. Most candidates need 3–6 months of preparation.
ORE Part 2 — Clinical
A practical assessment over 3 days: OSCE, dental manikin tasks, treatment planning and diagnostics, and medical emergencies. Fee: £2,929 per attempt. You can only sit Part 2 after passing Part 1. Up to 4 attempts allowed.
Read our full ORE Part 2 preparation guideGDC registration
After passing both parts of the ORE, submit your final GDC registration application (£886 registration fee + £730 annual retention fee). You receive your GDC number — your legal right to practise as a dentist in the UK.
Most challenging step
The ORE — where most overseas dentists need targeted preparation.
The ORE Part 1 first-attempt pass rate is approximately 45–60%. Part 2 is 50–65%. Both are demanding exams that require UK-style clinical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and familiarity with UK BNF, BSP and BSOM guidelines. Read our complete ORE preparation guide.
Fees
How much does GDC registration cost?
The minimum cost of GDC registration for a first-time applicant is approximately £6,251 in official fees — covering eligibility application, ORE Parts 1 and 2, final GDC registration and the first annual retention fee. This does not include English language test fees, accommodation in London for ORE sittings, or preparation courses.
Once registered, the UK Health and Care Worker Visa offers IHS exemption — saving £1,035+ per year compared to standard Skilled Worker visas. NHS dental practices and many private practices act as sponsors.
GDC fee breakdown — 2026
Countries we support
Dentists from across the world choose Global Pathways.
India
BDS from a Dental Council of India (DCI) recognised institution. India is the largest source of overseas ORE candidates. Verification through DCI can take 6–10 weeks — apply early.
Pakistan
BDS recognised by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). PMDC verification through GDC verification portal takes 8–12 weeks. Strong pass rates at ORE Part 1.
Nigeria
BDS from a Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) recognised university. Growing number of Nigerian dental graduates pursuing the ORE pathway since 2023.
Egypt
BDS from Egyptian Dental Syndicate (EDS) recognised institutions including Cairo, Ain Shams and Alexandria universities. Strong English-language clinical training base.
Bangladesh
BDS recognised by Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC). Verification process well-established with the GDC.
Other Countries
Sri Lanka, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and many more — we advise on country-specific qualification recognition and documentation.
After registration
Once you have your GDC number — get your visa and find a UK practice.
ORE preparation guide
Full guide to ORE Part 1 (Paper A and Paper B) and Part 2 (OSCE, manikin, treatment planning) — including pass rates and preparation strategy.
OET Dentistry
OET Dentistry sub-test for GDC registration — what is tested, target scores, study plan and how it differs from IELTS.
Health & Care Worker Visa
No IHS, fees from £304, and a maintained 5-year route to ILR. The fastest visa route for UK dentists after GDC registration.
FAQ
Common questions about GDC registration.
How long does GDC registration take from start to finish?
The full process typically takes 18–30 months from initial GDC application to receiving your GDC number. This includes 8–12 weeks for eligibility, 3–6 months of ORE Part 1 preparation, 6–12 months wait for Part 2 slots, and several weeks for final registration after passing.
Can I sit the ORE in my home country?
No. Both Part 1 (written) and Part 2 (clinical) of the ORE must be taken in the UK. Part 1 is delivered at King's College London and a small number of other UK centres. Part 2 is delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of England Dental Skills and Innovation Centre in London.
What is the pass rate for the ORE?
ORE Part 1 (Paper A and B) has a historic combined pass rate of approximately 45–60% on first attempt. ORE Part 2 has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 50–65%. Pass rates fluctuate by sitting. Strong UK-based clinical preparation is the biggest factor in success.
What is the difference between the ORE and the LDS?
The Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) is run by the GDC. The Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) is run by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Both are accepted by the GDC for registration. The LDS is currently smaller in volume than the ORE but offers similar content. Most overseas dentists pursue the ORE.
Do I need a job offer before sitting the ORE?
No. You can sit the ORE without a UK job offer. However, NHS dental positions are highly sought-after — many overseas dentists begin networking and applying for vocational training or associate roles after passing Part 1 so an offer is in place before final registration.
What visa do I need to take the ORE in the UK?
You need a UK Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for ORE sittings (both Part 1 and Part 2). The visa is valid for up to 6 months per visit. After passing the ORE and securing a UK dental position with a sponsor, you apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa to live and work in the UK long-term.
Free consultation
Ready to start your UK dental career?
Tell us your dental qualification, country and current registration status. A Global Pathways advisor will map your GDC registration pathway, ORE preparation needs and Health & Care Visa route — completely free.
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