For many BDS graduates in India, the idea of practicing dentistry in the UK is both exciting and challenging. At Sims Dental Academy, we’re here to help you navigate this process. This guide will break down each step you need to take to become a licensed dentist in the UK.
Step 1: Understand the Role of the General Dental Council (GDC)
To practice dentistry in the UK, you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), the UK’s regulatory body for dental professionals. Think of it as the UK’s version of the Dental Council of India (DCI). However, if you’ve earned your dental degree outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you can’t directly register with the GDC. Instead, you’ll need to pass the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE).
Why the ORE?
The ORE ensures that all dentists, regardless of where they were trained, meet the same standards as those who have graduated from UK dental schools. This helps maintain a high level of care for patients across the country.
Step 2: Meet the Prerequisites
Before you can sit for the ORE, you must meet a few essential requirements:
- Prove Your English Proficiency
Communication is crucial in healthcare, so you need to demonstrate your English language skills. This is done by taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. A minimum score of 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in each section, is required. - Verify Your Degree
The GDC needs to confirm that your BDS degree from India is equivalent to UK dental qualifications. To do this, you’ll need to submit your academic transcripts, certificates, and degree to the UK’s NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre). Once reviewed, NARIC will issue a Statement of Compatibility, which confirms that your degree meets UK standards.
Step 3: Apply for the ORE
Once you’ve met the prerequisites, you can apply for the ORE:
- Register on the eGDC Portal
Start by creating an account on the eGDC portal. You’ll need to fill out your personal details and upload the necessary documents. The GDC typically takes about 15 days to review your application, so keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder) for their response. - Stay Updated on Exam Dates
After your application is accepted, you’ll be added to the list of eligible ORE candidates. The ORE Part 1 exam is highly competitive, with only 600 seats available, so it’s important to act quickly once registration opens. The exam fee for Part 1 is approximately £800.
Step 4: Pass the ORE Part 1
The ORE Part 1 exam is split into two sections:
- Part A: Clinically Applied Dental Science & Human Disease
- Part B: Clinical Dentistry (including Law & Ethics, Health & Safety)
This exam, which usually takes place at King’s College London, consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Results are typically announced within 20 working days. If you pass one section but fail the other, you’ll need to retake both sections on your next attempt. You have a total of four attempts to clear Part 1.
Step 5: Prepare for the ORE Part 2
After clearing Part 1, you’ll move on to the more hands-on ORE Part 2, which involves four different components:
- Dental Mannequin (DM)
This component tests your practical skills by requiring you to perform three different dental procedures within three hours, focusing on tooth preparation and restoration. - Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The OSCE involves moving through a series of stations, each presenting different clinical scenarios that test how you would handle real-life situations. - Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (DTP)
Here, you’ll be given a patient’s history along with models, casts, and photographs. Your task is to develop a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan based on this information. - Medical Emergencies
This part includes a scenario-based oral exam and a practical test where you’ll perform Basic Life Support (BLS) on a mannequin.
The fee for the Part 2 exam is £2,929, but it will increase to £4,250 starting in January. If you fail any of the first three components (DM, OSCE, or DTP), you’ll need to retake the entire Part 2 exam. However, if you fail the Medical Emergencies component, you’ll be given a second chance to pass it for an additional fee of £300. Failing the Medical Emergencies exam twice means retaking all four parts of Part 2.
You have four attempts to pass Part 2 and must do so within five years of clearing Part 1. If not, you’ll need to retake Part 1 as well.
Step 6: Complete the GDC Registration
Once you’ve successfully passed both parts of the ORE, the GDC will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions provided to complete your registration. After your name is officially added to the GDC register, you’ll be authorized to practice dentistry independently in the UK.
At Sims Dental Academy, we are committed to helping you succeed in your dental career, whether graduated in India or anywhere else. If you have any further questions or need support with your ORE preparation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We regularly post content designed to guide you through every stage of your dental journey.
