Following Brexit, your dental degree can still be recognised automatically for registration by the GDC (General Dental Council), as long as it is a Relevant European Diploma. If not, then you should likely follow the ORE route.

Registration with the GDC will allow you to practise as an Associate / Employed / Community Dentist in the NHS or privately in:

  • England
  • Scotland
  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland
  • the Channel Islands
  • and the Isle of Man.

There are lots of UK-based dental practices that are interested in newly qualified or relatively inexperienced Dentists who are just starting out.

The GDC requires evidence of your English language skills. For the vast majority of applicants, that means you have to achieve a minimum score in an acceptable English language test before you apply for registration.

Five reasons to choose GDC Registration with an REQ by UKmed

For your peace of mind, our GDC Registration with an REQ service is all-inclusive, to help you start working and earning sooner. We will:

  • obtain all the required official documents for you, including certificates of current professional status and criminal record checks from every European country you are registered in
  • translate the right documents and have them certified correctly
  • deal with the bureaucracy instead of you having to spend your valuable time and energy
  • manage the registration process from start to end to avoid errors
  • help you set up your eGDC account correctly.

Working as a Dentist in the UK

Our experience shows that a Dentist’s career in the UK is a great move. You could benefit from the UK dental services market strengths, including:

  • a very large market, in fact the largest in Europe
  • comprehensive dental cover for the population from the public budget
  • a growing private services sector
  • You can work and study part-time for an MClinDent, an MSc or any other advanced degree.
  • You can apply to paid specialist dental training posts in the UK.
  • Above all, you are needed, and employers are open to hiring talented dentists from abroad. In fact, after Brexit, you may even have an advantage in contract negotiations.

Let’s discuss your plans and give you all the answers you need with our Career advice service.

Is GDC registration possible without an EU passport?

Yes. As long as your dental diploma is a Relevant European Diploma, you are still entitled to have it recognised without taking the ORE exam. If your dental diploma is not a European qualification, you will most likely have to pass the ORE.

GDC specialist registration

If you have a specialist qualification in dentistry that appears in Annex 5.3.3 of EU Directive 2005/36/EC and is acceptable to the GDC, then it is possible to apply to have it recognised by the GDC.

You must, however, first register as a general Dentist. Only then can you apply for GDC specialist registration in a separate, second application.

Do I have to go to the UK for an identity check?

No, Dentists don’t have to go through a face-to-face identity check. The GDC relies on the correct certification of your identification documents instead.

Annual retention fee for the GDC

To stay registered as a Dentist in the UK, you have to pay your current annual retention fee.

Especially for your first year, you will have to pay a smaller fee if your registration is completed before November.

However, if registered in November, you will have to pay for two months (2/12) plus the whole of the following year. Similarly, if registered in December, you will have to pay for one month (1/12) and the whole of the year that follows.

Is GDC registration enough to practise dentistry in the UK?

Yes, if you intend to practise private dentistry exclusively.

But no if you – like most Dentists – intend to practise both NHS and private dentistry. If so, you are also going to need our NHS Performer service for performer list inclusion.

I was registered in the past and only need GDC restoration

In our experience, the restoration process could be harder and longer than your original GDC registration. You will need to prove that since you left the GDC’s register you kept up with its requirements for keeping your registration.

We strongly recommend contacting UKmed before you start planning.

Price

GDC Registration with an REQ by UKmed: EUR 780.

This includes the GDC’s registration application fee (payable only once).

What other support do I need for a successful dental career in the UK?

You will most likely need:

  • a Dental Performer Number in one of the UK’s 4 countries. We can get it for you with our all-inclusive NHS Dental Performer List service, or you can choose one or more from the following:
  • an attractive custom professional CV
  • a smart job-finding campaign
  • an early contract review and support in your contract negotiations
  • finding the right indemnity or liability insurance package
  • obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS
  • a personal development plan
  • mandatory and highly recommended CPD
  • career advice to avoid mistakes and delays.

Finally,

If you prefer peace of mind, then UKmed’s NHS Dental Performer List service covers everything you need.

Contact us to plan ahead.

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