MyGDCHow overseas DCP applications are assessed
Applications are assessed by our independent registration assessment panel of dentally qualified assessors. Panels are held monthly, and applications are sent to panel members four weeks in advance.
The panel will provide advice and recommendations to the GDC Registrar on the applicant’s knowledge, skills and suitability for registration. The panel is not a decision-making body.
Following the panel meeting, the Registrar will review panel recommendations and decide whether or not to grant registration. One of the following steps can be taken:
- Registration as a DCP is granted
- Further information or clarification is sought before a recommendation or decision can be reached
- Registration is refused.
We will write to you to inform you of the decision, normally within four weeks of the panel meeting.
Why are applications refused?
Your application may be refused if:
- You have not provided the requested information in the format or language as prescribed by the guidance eg your syllabus or qualification
- Your supporting evidence is not strong, recent or verifiable across one or more of the relevant learning outcomes
- You have not provided any evidence to support the learning outcome(s).
We have produced a guide on the most common reasons for applications to be refused to help you avoid these issues. Please review it before submitting your application. The guide is relevant for applications for registration as a dental hygienist, dental nurse, dental therapist, and orthodontic therapist (information for dental technicians and clinical technicians will be added at a later date).
If your application is refused
If your application is refused, we will write to you detailing the reasons for the decision. You can appeal the decision, and we will provide details of how to formally appeal when we write to you. An appeal must be lodged within 30 days of the decision letter.
In some instances, for example where your circumstances have changed, and you have new or additional evidence to address the reasons your application was refused, you may be able to provide this evidence as part of a new application. In these circumstances, your application and additional evidence will be resubmitted to a panel for another assessment. Any additional evidence must be submitted within 28 days of the decision letter.