Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Please check the UKVI website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

You will still have to pass the ORE or LDS.

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

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