Registration barriers continue to delay internationally qualified dentists entering UK workforce

Internationally qualified dentists have raised concerns about ongoing delays and challenges in the UK’s registration process, with many arguing that regulatory barriers are preventing experienced professionals from joining the workforce despite continuing shortages in NHS dentistry.

Dentists seeking to practise in the UK must successfully complete either the General Dental Council’s Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) or the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) assessment. While these examinations are designed to ensure patient safety and maintain professional standards, candidates have reported difficulties securing examination places, technical issues with booking systems and concerns about limited feedback following unsuccessful assessments.

Recent reports have also highlighted concerns over the financial and personal impact of the registration process, with some internationally qualified dentists stating that repeated delays can affect career plans, immigration arrangements and their ability to begin practising in the UK.

The General Dental Council has acknowledged previous issues with examination capacity and booking systems and has introduced reforms aimed at expanding access to registration routes. The regulator has said it is implementing changes to modernise the process while maintaining robust standards to protect patients.

Meanwhile, organisations including the Association of Dental Groups and the British Dental Association have called for reforms that would allow more qualified overseas dentists to enter the profession more quickly, arguing that improving registration processes could help address ongoing workforce shortages and improve patient access to dental care. However, professional bodies also stress that increasing the number of registered dentists alone will not resolve wider challenges facing NHS dentistry, including funding, workforce retention and contractual reform.

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