ORE preparation and results

You should be certain you have the overall clinical skills and knowledge to successfully complete a series of tests before applying for the ORE, which is administered and delivered by The Consortium.

The ORE is designed to assess whether you can practise dentistry safely. You will need to be able to demonstrate:

• Competence, skills and knowledge in the different aspects of dentistry
• Conduct, performance and ethics, as set out in the Standards for the dental team.

Your chances of passing the ORE will be improved if you’ve had recent experience of clinical dentistry, rather than relying entirely on preparation courses. We do not quality assure or endorse any ORE training or preparation courses, and do not provide course recommendations.

The ORE Part 1 is a computer-based assessment and all questions are linked to the learning outcomes for UK dentists.

The Consortium provides preparation resources for the ORE Part 2, including general guidance, a suggested reading list and details of common mistakes. Use these materials to prepare.

You may also find additional training or mentoring helpful as you prepare for the ORE. Please note that we do not endorse, accredit or provide quality assurance for any ORE preparation courses. You should do your own quality checks.

Patient expectations

We do not expect you to be familiar with the NHS or culture in the UK, other than the ways in which it will affect your treatment of patients.

You should be familiar with how patients in the UK might behave, but you should not make assumptions about patients based on characteristics such as gender or ethnicity.

Pass rates

The average pass rates for ORE Part 1 in 2024 were:

• April 2024: 71%
• August 2024: 70%

The average pass rates for ORE Part 2 in 2024 were:

• January 2024: 59%
• April 2024: 59%
• September 2024: 74%
• November 2024: 70%

The distribution of results for each ORE are posted below. These are published after candidates have been informed of their results. We do not accept applications for appeals against academic judgements.

​You can raise a complaint on the grounds of serious defect in procedure that has led to a candidate being disadvantaged, or on the grounds of discrimination. Contact us for our complaints policy and process.