Overseas-qualified dentists

Before you can work as a dentist in the UK, you will need to meet various requirements. As BDA members, overseas-qualified dentists can access information on General Dental Council (GDC) registration processes and resources that will be important for their future life as practising dentists in the UK.

From navigating employment options before and after registration, to understanding your rights and responsibilities as a professional, we’re here to support your journey.

Advice

GDC registration for overseas dentists

Understand the steps required for GDC registration, including eligibility criteria, ORE/LDS exam preparation, and necessary documentation.

Working in the UK before GDC registration

Explore employment opportunities such as dental nurse roles or dentistry-related positions, as well as strategies for maintaining professional momentum, while completing the GDC registration process.

Working in the UK after GDC registration

Access tailored advice and resources to help you understand and navigate the UK dental market, covering topics like employment contracts, NHS Performers Lists, and private practice opportunities, to ensure a smooth transition into UK dentistry.

UK standards and your responsibilities

Stay informed about UK dentistry standards, including indemnity requirements and CPD obligations. We’ll guide you through your financial and professional commitments, ensuring you meet all legal and ethical responsibilities.

Professional integration in UK dentistry

Prepare for professional success in the UK with advice on workplace integration, communication best practices, and UK patient care dynamics, as well as information on the pathways to further specialisation.

Learning

As members, overseas-qualified dentists have access to a wide variety of learning to help you connect with and familiarise yourself to UK dentistry: Events and online courses, our internationally renowned flagship publication the BDJ, and Europe's largest dental library.

Exclusively for BDA members

Studying for the ORE or LDS?

Our library offers a wide range of GDC recommended exam books for loan to help our members with revising for the ORE or LDS exams. Contact our library staff for more information and to get your login credentials.

Contact the BDA Library

Stories from the profession

Hear from other members who qualified overseas about their journey towards UK registration, as well as BDA representatives working to improve the system.

Blog Friday 24 May 2024

Provisional registration for dentists from abroad

We are working to ensure a solid provisional registration system for overseas dentists who want to work in the UK.

Blog Tuesday 5 Dec 2023

The challenges facing asylum seekers in dentistry

Relocating to a new country and finding a route to practise dentistry is a very difficult experience. Having to uproot your life, along with your family, to try and find a safer environment can be incredibly stressful and, at times, terrifying.

Free to all members

Confidential counselling and emotional support

The service is a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues.

Confidential counselling for members

Asylum seeker or refugee?

Asylum seeker and refugee membership is available for free to overseas qualified dentists who have applied for or been awarded Asylum Seeker or Refugee status and are actively working towards registering as a dentist with the General Dental Council.

Learn more and apply