MyGDCApplying to the orthodontics specialist list
There are different routes to gaining entry to the specialist list in orthodontics. It is important that you know which route you are applying through, as you will need to provide certain information depending on which route you choose.
The specialist list assessed applications process will consider whether you have the knowledge, skills and experience equivalent to that which would be gained by completing a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in the UK. The evidence you provide will be used to make that assessment. It is therefore essential that you provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate how you meet each of the Higher Learning Outcomes (HLOs) contained in the Orthodontics specialty curriculum.
Route 1 – EEA Orthodontics qualification
Specialist orthodontics qualification awarded by an EEA Member State or Switzerland where your training began on or after the reference date. If you hold one of these qualifications, please provide a certified copy of this certificate in its original language and a certified translation. You are only eligible to apply via this route if the certificate contains the exact wording as listed in Eligible EEA/Swiss qualifications.
Route 2 – Orthodontics qualification outside UK
Postgraduate orthodontics qualification awarded outside the United Kingdom (demonstrating equivalence to CCST in orthodontics). When applying under this route, you must include all the required documentation as set out in Advice on presentation of portfolio evidence. The documentation must be issued by the institute that awarded your qualification.
Route 3 – Knowledge and experience
Knowledge and experience in orthodontics derived from academic or research work (demonstrating equivalence to CCST in orthodontics). This route is intended to provide access to the specialist lists for those who do not hold a CCST or a specialist list qualification awarded outside the United Kingdom. It is not essential to have completed a specific specialist training programme or qualification, but you must demonstrate that you have the skills, knowledge and experience from academic or research work equivalent to what you might reasonably have been expected to have acquired if you had undertaken the training required for the award of a CCST. Please see Advice on presentation of portfolio evidence for what evidence you need to provide.
Route 4 – Specialist UK qualification
Specialist qualification awarded in the United Kingdom and relevant knowledge, skills and experience in the specialty in question (demonstrating equivalence to CCST in orthodontics). This route is intended to provide access to the specialist lists for those who do not hold a CCST but do hold a specialist list qualification awarded within the United Kingdom. You must demonstrate that you have the skills, knowledge and experience equivalent to what you might reasonably have been expected to have acquired if you had undertaken the training required for the award of a CCST. Please see Advice on presentation of portfolio evidence for what evidence you need to provide.
Format of evidence
Applicants should submit their evidence in the form of a portfolio.
Portfolio size
Portfolios should be succinct and relevant to the competencies/HLOs being assessed. You are only required to demonstrate each competency once. Inclusion of unnecessary or unhelpful materials is likely to make it harder to assess your application, and assessment may take longer than necessary.
Portfolio structure
Please read Advice on presentation of portfolio evidence for detailed information.
Summary information sheet
You should use the Summary information sheet to help you structure your portfolio. This is designed to help you map the evidence provided in your portfolio to each of the HLOs/competencies set out in the CCST curriculum. This may enable you to clearly demonstrate how you meet each competency and direct the panel assessing your application to the relevant evidence. The Advice on presentation of portfolio evidence may also help as it reflects the expectations of UK CCST trainees.