Expansion of License in Dental Surgery exam places

Following discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care, we are expanding the number of places available for candidates to sit the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) exam, increasing the number of dentists able to practice in the UK and thereby improving access to dental care.

Many patients continue to face challenges accessing routine dental appointments, including check-ups and preventative care. The LDS exam provides a route for overseas-qualified dentists to demonstrate that their knowledge and clinical skills meet the standard required to practice dentistry safely in the UK. Increasing the number of dentists can help expand access to routine and preventative care, reduce the need for hospital treatment and ease pressure on dental services.

In 2026, we will make 1,000 Part 1 places available to new LDS candidates. We will also increase the number of Part 2 and Part 3 places, helping candidates who pass Part 1 move through the examination process as efficiently as possible. From 2027, we will offer 2,000 Part 1 places per year.

Information for candidates can be found below, and via the individual exam booking pages:

• LDS Part 1
• LDS Part 2
• LDS Part 3

Dates and capacity of upcoming exams

Part 1 

Location: Online

Part 2 

Location: Royal College of Surgeons of England, London

*The Part 2 exam involves two components which must be sat on separate days and candidates will need to be available for two days in this range. 

Part 3

Location: Multiple centres, venue TBC

When and how can I book onto the exam?

Bookings will open at 9am (UK time) on the dates listed above. The booking page will detail the specific process to follow. All places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What does this mean for candidates who have already passed Part 1 or Part 2?

We have planned places within expanded diets for candidates who have already passed the Part 1 and Part 2. All places will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the eligibility requirements.

When will you release the 2027 dates?

We are currently confirming the availability of examination centres for the 2027 diets, and plan to release these in the next 8-12 weeks.

If you have additional questions that are not answered here or via the exam pages, please reach out to our exams team via dentalexams@rcseng.ac.uk