International Dentists Face Growing Challenges on the Path to UK Registration

Recent developments have placed renewed focus on the challenges faced by internationally qualified dentists seeking registration in the UK. Ongoing technical issues affecting the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE), alongside concerns over changes to the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) assessment, have prompted calls for greater transparency and improved support throughout the registration process.

The LDS, delivered by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng), underwent significant changes in spring 2026 to align with the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Safe Practitioner Framework. The revised assessment aims to better evaluate the knowledge, clinical judgement and professional behaviours required for safe practice in the UK, while providing clearer separation between examination components.

A key change to LDS Part 2 was the introduction of a structured clinical reasoning assessment, replacing the previous unseen cases component. However, candidates have raised concerns that the transition was introduced without sufficient preparation materials. Many reported that no sample cases, marking criteria or detailed guidance were provided before the examination, making it difficult to understand what was expected under the new format.

Following the June examination sitting, candidates also questioned what they believed to be a significantly lower pass rate than in previous years. While these figures have not been independently verified, concerns have centred less on the outcome itself and more on the lack of meaningful feedback provided to unsuccessful candidates.

Several candidates have stated that, without detailed feedback, identifying areas for improvement is extremely difficult. Others have called for greater transparency around the assessment process, arguing that clear marking guidance and constructive feedback would help candidates better prepare for future sittings.

In response, the Royal College of Surgeons of England acknowledged that adapting to a revised assessment may be challenging but reaffirmed that the examination is designed to ensure candidates meet the standards required for safe dental practice in the UK.

Beyond the examination itself, many internationally qualified dentists have highlighted the wider impact that delays or unsuccessful attempts can have on their careers. The registration process represents a significant financial investment, with estimates suggesting that overseas-qualified dentists may spend between £15,000 and £18,000 before joining the UK register. For many candidates, examination outcomes can also influence employment opportunities, visa arrangements and long-term career planning.

These concerns come at a time when the UK dental workforce is becoming increasingly reliant on internationally qualified professionals. During a recent Dental Leaders Network event, the GDC presented workforce modelling suggesting that, under one future scenario, fewer than one-third of new dentists joining the register by 2029 could be UK trained, with UK-qualified dentists potentially becoming a minority of the overall register by 2034.

Despite this growing reliance, many industry leaders continue to describe the current registration pathway as complex, costly and fragmented.

Alongside concerns surrounding the LDS, candidates have also experienced continued disruption when attempting to book the Overseas Registration Examination. At the end of June, many candidates reported technical problems while booking ORE Part 1, including overloaded systems, payment failures and missing booking confirmations after payments had been processed.

A subsequent ORE Part 2 booking window, originally scheduled for 14 July, was postponed by one week while the GDC carried out further testing of its booking platform. Although candidates were warned that some performance issues might remain, many reported experiencing similar technical difficulties when bookings reopened.

The GDC has confirmed that a new examination portal is expected to be introduced for examinations from the beginning of 2027, with the aim of improving reliability and reducing technical issues during future booking windows.

As internationally qualified dentists continue to play an increasingly important role in addressing workforce shortages across the UK, confidence in the registration process has never been more important. Maintaining rigorous professional standards remains essential, but so too does ensuring that assessment processes are transparent, accessible and supported by reliable systems.

Strengthening examination guidance, improving candidate feedback and delivering a more robust booking experience would not only benefit overseas-qualified dentists but also support the long-term sustainability of the UK’s dental workforce. With demand for skilled dental professionals continuing to grow, a fair and efficient registration pathway will remain fundamental to attracting and retaining international talent.