About the ORE

Most applicants whose primary qualification as a dentist was not gained in the UK or EEA will need to pass the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) before applying for registration.

You will need to set up an account and apply online to book a place on the ORE. For information on how to apply, see How to apply to the ORE. You will be added to the ORE candidate list when you successfully complete the process.

Working in the UK

Before applying, you should first check if you can work in the UK. You can also find details about entering and staying in the UK online.

We advise dentists who are planning on coming to the UK to first consider employment opportunities and the additional requirements needed to work in the National Health Service (NHS).

If you are planning to come and work in the UK as a dentist for a limited time to do training, teaching or carry out research, you should read our information on temporary registration.

You should also read the examination rules, policies and procedures so you understand the requirements before you apply. You may also find it helpful to read the student fitness to practise guidance which sets out expected standards of behaviour.

Demand for places is currently extremely high. It takes around 60 working days to process an application. We also have a significant number of candidates who want to book a place, which means you may have difficulty securing one over the next 12 months or more.

The examination

There are two parts to the exam: Part 1 is designed to test candidates' application of knowledge to clinical practice. Part 2 is designed for candidates to demonstrate practical clinical skills.

You need to pass ORE Part 2 within five years of first attempting the ORE Part 1. You are allowed up to four attempts at each part of the ORE. If you fail either Part 1 or Part 2 of the ORE four times, you will not be given the opportunity to sit the ORE again.

If you pass each part of the ORE on your first attempt, you could complete it in around six to 12 months. However, demand for places on the ORE is currently extremely high, which means securing a place on a particular sitting of the ORE can be difficult.

Booking the exam

When you have successfully completed the application process, you will be added to the candidate list for the ORE Part 1. You will need to log into your online account to check for the next available sitting and book your place.

Demand for places on the ORE is currently extremely high. All places have been taken up within 30 minutes of a booking window opening this year. We provide priority places for those who are approaching the five-year time limit to ensure they get an opportunity to complete the ORE Part 2, and we also provide priority places for dental professionals with refugee status. You will be notified in advance of the booking window opening if you are a priority candidate.

Booking windows open eight weeks in advance of each sitting. We provide advanced notice of when the booking window will open by email and you will find the latest information on our website.

You can choose to book onto any ORE sitting that suits you. You do not need to book onto the next available sitting.

It can take several years to pass the ORE if you are not able to secure a place immediately or you do not pass on your first attempt.

It may sometimes be necessary to limit the number of attempts a candidate can have over a six- to 12-month period to allow other candidates the chance to book a place.

Priority bookings

Candidates with refugee status are able to request priority access to booking for up to two attempts at Part 1 and two attempts at Part 2 of the ORE. Eligible candidates should review our guidance and contact us  to tell us about your circumstances if you would like to make use of this policy. You do not need to provide evidence of your refugee status during your application. The GDC will provide information on how to access priority booking once you are on the candidate list. You may also want to contact other organisations offering support.

Alternatives to the ORE

You can use the Licence in Dental Surgery to apply for registration.

You may also be able to join the Batchelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) (international Route) offered by the University of Lancashire (UCLAN) which is designed for overseas qualified dentists and allows entry to the UCLAN BDS programme after the third year. It will provide you with a UK qualification and allow registration as a UK qualified dentist.

There are no exemptions for candidates who have a Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) or any other membership diplomas or non-membership examinations.

Fees for applying and sitting the ORE

You will need to pay an application processing fee of £96. You can find out more about the application process and the associated fee in our guide on how to apply for the ORE.

You will also need to pay examination fees each time you book a sitting of the ORE.

The current examination fees are:

ORE Part 1 £584
ORE Part 2 £4,235
Retakes medical emergencies £566

After you have passed the ORE

We will send you your results by email.

That email will explain how to apply for registration. There is no time limit for you to apply for registration after you have passed the ORE.

Please read the guidance before logging in to your online account and starting your application.

Any change to your name

If you have changed your name since applying for the ORE and want to be registered under your new name, you will need to complete and return a Notification of change of name form.

You must practise using the name that appears on the register.