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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a shortage of dentists in the UK and will it be easy for me to find a job?

There is no shortage of dentists in the UK as there has been an increase in the number of dentists being trained in UK dental schools. In addition many dentists who qualified in European dental schools have been coming to the UK to look for work.

Does the NHS employ dentists from outside the UK?

Yes. The NHS employs dentists from all over the word who meet the requirements for registration and employment.

Will I need a visa to work in the UK?

Generally speaking, all non UK citizens will need a visa to work in the UK. If you are not a UK Citizen, intending to work in the UK please see the UKI guidance on the UK Government website.

What if I am an asylum seeker or refugee?

See the section on refugees and asylum seekers in the main menu.

I have come to the UK to work and have just passed the ORE or LDS examination. Can I start working?

No, registration with the GDC and immigration to the UK are two separate issues. Inclusion on the dentists’ register does not entitle you to stay in the UK. Check your status on the UKVI website.

Does the UK limit the number of migrants from outside the EEA?

Yes, under the points based system of the UKVI. Please see the requirements for each tier at the UKVI website.

What is the points-based system for immigration?

The points based system is applicable to all on UK or Irish citizens who wish to work in the UK. Please see this link for more information.

What can I apply for on a Tier 2 Visa?

There are no longer visas called “Tier 2” visas. They are now known as Skilled Worker Visas.  Healthcare Worker Visas are included in this category.


My spouse/partner has a Tier 2 or Tier 5 Visa. Can I apply for training posts on temporary registration?

There are no longer visas called “Tier 2” visas. They are now known as Skilled Worker Visas. Healthcare Worker Visas are included in this category.

My spouse/partner has a Tier 2 or Tier 5 visa.  Can I work as a dentist?

No. You will need to fulfil the GDC’s requirements with the GDC before you can work as a dentist on either full or temporary registration.

If I am an overseas undergraduate student who has just qualified BDS from a UK dental school under a Tier 4 Visa. Can I apply for a Dental Foundation Training post in the UK?

Generally, you are able to stay for two years on a post study visa. However, we advise that you check the UKVI website.

If I am an overseas postgraduate student who has just qualified with a master’s degree from a UK dental school under a Tier 4 Visa. Can I stay in the UK?

Can I have temporary registration as soon as I arrive in the UK?

No. Temporary registration is only awarded by the GDC for specific posts. These categories include: training posts in a hospital, research and teaching. You need to be appointed to a post before you can apply for temporary registration from the GDC. There is a limit to the length of time you can spend working on temporary registration. See our GDC section. You are not allowed to work in primary care/general practice on temporary registration.

I have just qualified from outside the EEA with no clinical experience, what are my chances of obtaining a training post in a hospital, research or teaching post in the UK on temporary registration.

The GDC will always let you know when you are eligible to apply for posts on temporary registration but there is a big difference between being eligible to apply for a post and the possibility of success. If you are newly qualified you are unlikely to be successful in obtaining a teaching post in a UK Dental School. Most UK dental schools employ experienced part time dentists to teach undergraduate dental students and generally would not employ newly qualified dentists to fulfil this role. Similarly if you have no research experience you are unlikely to be employed into a research post. The most junior post in a UK hospital that could be appointed to on temporary registration is the Dental Core Trainee. You are unlikely to obtain one of these posts if you have no postgraduate clinical experience. UK graduates have undergone a five year undergraduate course then Dental Foundation Training before being appointed into a Core Trainee post.  You are strongly advised to obtain clinical experience in your country of graduation before seeking a post in the UK.

I have just arrived in the UK, are there any posts that I can apply for so that I can learn the system of working in the UK and practice for the ORE or LDS?

There are no posts specifically to help you work or adapt your skills for the ORE or LDS in the UK.There are no posts specifically to help you work or adapt your skills for the ORE or LDS in the UK.  However, you may wish to consider attending a short ORE or LDS preparation course.

I have passed my ORE or LDS and have the right to work in the UK - do I have to apply for a Foundation Training post?

No. However, if you intend to work as a GDP on the NHS you will need a perfomer number which is acquired on completion of the Dental Foundation Training or by equivalence.

Do I need a health/medical check before working in the UK?

Yes, when you apply for your name to be included on the dentist register with the GDC, you will have to supply a declaration of health status. If you work for the NHS you will also need an occupational health medical check before starting work.  You may also need health screening to obtain a UK visa.

Will I need my own professional indemnity and be a member of a defence organisation?

If you are on the dentist register you will need to make adequate arrangements for indemnity so that patients can be compensated if necessary. Indemnity must either be provided by the individual dentist or in some posts the employers will arrange cover. It is the dentist’s responsibility to ensure that adequate indemnity is in place before starting work.

I am an overseas qualified dentist and I have just passed the ORE or LDS on a visitor visa. Can I take up a training post that would be eligible for temporary registration with the GDC?

No - you cannot take up a training post on a visitor’s visa. You could make an application for a post if you satisfy the person specification and if successful, you could apply for a Skilled Worker Healthcare Visa.

What is Tier 5 MTI?

MTI (under the Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange Visa (previously Tier 5) enables suitably qualified overseas postgraduate dentists to undertake a fixed period of training in the UK before returning back to their own country. MTI can cover a training post in a hospital that delivers training and education that will benefit the overseas dentist. The purpose of this programme is to enable the overseas dentist to return home after the period of training and be able to apply the skills and knowledge learned during their time in the UK to their own health care system. The MTI must have the approval of the postgraduate dean and must not adversely affect existing UK trainees. In dentistry, the NACPDE, within the Faculty of Dental Surgery, manages the MTI for dentistry. See previous answer on Tier 5.

How long can I stay on Tier 5?

A maximum period of two years in the UK, after which you must return to your home country.

I qualified from outside the EEA; can I avoid sitting the ORE or LDS examination by entering a UK Dental School for a few years and qualifying with a UK degree?

No, your opportunity to work in the UK is via the ORE or LDS.

I am a qualified dentist in my own country, can I work as a dental nurse, hygienist or therapist in the UK?

Current guidelines do not allow non-UK or EEA qualified to apply to join the GDC register to work in allied dental professions.

In the UK dental nurses, therapists and hygienists are regulated by the GDC. The GDC maintains a register of qualified dental nurses, therapists and hygienists. You would only be able to work in the UK as a dental nurse, therapist or hygienist if you were on the appropriate register or training to qualify to be included on the register. 

If I enrol as a postgraduate student at a UK university and I am awarded a PhD or Masters Degree, will I be exempt from passing the ORE or LDS?

No, you will still need to pass the ORE or LDS.

I work as a specialist in my own country, which is outside the EEA. I am planning to move to the UK and work as a specialist, will I have to pass the ORE or LDS even if I only want to work in my own specialty and don’t intend performing any routine dentistry?

You will still have to pass the ORE or LDS.

Does the NACPDE have a list of Trusts with current Hospital posts in dentistry available for MTIs?

The NACPDE does not keep a list of vacant Tier5 posts and cannot identify and/or initiate these posts for you.

I am an overseas qualified dentist who will shortly marry a UK citizen.  Can I work as a dentist in the UK?

You will still have to pass the ORE or LDS and have the necessary work permit.  See UKVI website.

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