MyGDCHow to apply: overseas-qualified dentist
To be eligible for registration under this route, your qualification must be listed as a recognised qualification. If your qualification is not listed, you will need to pass the overseas registration exam (ORE) before you can register.
Before you apply
Please read this section and Key facts about registration before you start the online application process for overseas recognised qualifications, or once you’ve passed the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
Character reference
You must provide a character reference. Please download the form and ask your character referee to complete it. You should then scan and upload the document where indicated within the online application.
Who can be a character referee?
If you are applying for registration within 12 months of graduation, the character reference must be provided by the head of your dental training school or their nominee.
If you are applying more than 12 months after graduation, the character reference should be provided by another professional such as a doctor, dentist or lawyer who has known you for over 12 months. The character reference cannot be provided by a member of your family.
We will accept either a handwritten signature or a scanned signature. Once the form is completed, it can be printed, signed, and scanned. Alternatively, a scanned signature (for example a JPEG or PNG image file) can be inserted into the electronic document.
Typed signatures will not be accepted.
Proof of identity
You will be taken through an online identity check, which works best on a mobile phone. For this you will need:
• A valid passport
Certifying documents
The person certifying your documents must be one of the professionals listed below:
- Notary public
- Commissioner of Oaths
- Justice of the Peace
- Lawyer
- Solicitor
- An authorised official of an embassy or consulate
The person certifying the photocopies of your documents will need to see your original documents before they certify a photocopy. Photocopies must be copies of the original document.
The person certifying the photocopies of your documents must write (in English) ‘I have inspected the original document and I certify that this is a true copy’. They should then write their name, address and, if they do not have an official stamp, their professional status. They must then sign the photocopy.
The person certifying the documents cannot be the applicant, their partner/spouse or a relative, even if they are one of the professionals listed above.
We will accept either a handwritten signature or a scanned signature. Once the form is completed, it can be printed, signed, and scanned. Alternatively, a scanned signature (for example a JPEG or PNG image file) can be inserted into the electronic document.
Typed signatures will not be accepted.
Fees
You will need to pay an initial application fee of £102.83.
If your application is successful, you will then be asked to pay a registration fee. The amount you pay depends on the date at which you are registered with the GDC.
Please visit the registration fees section of our website for more information.
Please note: an administration charge of £10 will be added to the registration fee if you wish us to return any original documents you have submitted.
How long will it take?
We aim to assess complete applications within three months from the date we receive it. This timeframe can increase during peak processing times