The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) is an important route for overseas-qualified dentists seeking to register and practise dentistry in the United Kingdom. It assesses whether dentists trained outside the UK meet the required standards for safe and effective dental practice.
This guide explains the ORE exam eligibility, application process, examination structure, fees, preparation methods and steps towards registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). It is intended to help overseas dentists understand the process and plan their next steps.
What Is the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE)?
The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) is conducted by the General Dental Council (GDC), the regulatory body responsible for dentists and dental care professionals in the UK. The examination assesses the knowledge, clinical skills and professional judgement of dentists whose qualifications do not provide a recognised route to registration.
Passing the ORE allows eligible candidates to proceed towards applying for GDC registration, provided they meet the other registration requirements. Registration is necessary for all dentists who wish to practise dentistry in the UK.
The examination has two parts:
- ORE Part 1: Assesses applied dental knowledge, clinical understanding and professional decision-making.
- ORE Part 2: Assesses practical clinical skills, communication, diagnosis and treatment planning.
Who Is Eligible for the ORE Exam?
Understanding the ORE exam eligibility requirements is an essential first step. Overseas dentists should check the current GDC criteria before submitting an application.
Generally, the ORE is intended for dentists with overseas qualifications that are not recognised for direct registration in the UK. Eligibility depends on the candidate’s qualification, supporting evidence and compliance with the GDC’s application requirements.
Dental qualification
Applicants must hold a primary dental qualification that is not recognised for direct UK registration. They must submit a certified copy of their qualification certificate and a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability.
Clinical experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least 1,600 hours of clinical experience involving the treatment of patients in the dental chair. The GDC requires clinical reference forms completed by appropriate referees. The declaration, character reference and clinical references must be signed and dated within three months of the GDC receiving the application.
If applicants use undergraduate clinical experience as evidence, the clinical reference must be completed by the dean of the dental school or an authorised professor or tutor acting on the dean’s behalf. The dean’s office must also stamp the clinical reference form.
Character reference
A character reference is mandatory. If applying within 12 months of graduation, the referee must be the head of the dental school or their nominee. After 12 months, an appropriate professional, such as a doctor, dentist or lawyer who has known the applicant for over 12 months, may provide the reference. Family members are not accepted.
Identity and English-language requirements
Applicants need a valid passport for the online identity check. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate safely with patients and healthcare professionals. For IELTS Academic, the GDC requires an overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Certificate of Good Standing
Applicants who have practised dentistry abroad before their first registration with the GDC must provide a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) or Certificate of Current Professional Status (CCPS) from the relevant dental regulator.
This confirms that they are legally entitled to practise dentistry and have not been suspended, disqualified or prohibited from working as a dental professional. The certificate must not be more than three months old at the time of registration with the GDC.
How to Apply for the ORE Exam
The ORE exam application process involves submitting an online application and the required supporting evidence.
- Review the requirements: Check your qualification, clinical experience and documentation against the GDC criteria.
- Prepare your documents: Obtain your certified qualification certificate, UK ENIC Statement of Comparability, character reference and clinical references.
- Complete the online application: Submit the information and documents requested by the GDC. The application processing fee is £115.
- Complete verification: Respond to any requests for additional evidence and ensure your referees verify their references.
- Wait for assessment: The GDC aims to assess complete applications within 60 working days, although delays can occur during busy periods.
- Book an examination: Once accepted, you will be added to the candidate list. You must then book an available examination sitting through your MyGDC account. Following the introduction of the new UCL Consultants examination contract in August 2026, candidates can book their examination places through MyGDC.
The GDC also provides priority booking opportunities for candidates approaching the five-year deadline for completing Part 2 and candidates with refugee status. This helps eligible candidates secure examination places according to their circumstances and avoid losing their opportunity to complete the examination within the permitted timeframe.
Read the official GDC application guidance before applying.
ORE Part 1: Exam Format and Syllabus
The ORE Part 1 exam assesses how well candidates apply dental science and clinical knowledge to professional situations. It consists of two computer-based papers, each lasting three hours.
Paper A: Dental Science and Human Disease
Paper A covers clinically applied dental science and human disease. Topics include anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, dental anatomy, embryology, dental materials, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and statistics.
Paper B: Clinical Dentistry
Paper B covers clinical dentistry, including law, ethics and health and safety. Candidates must understand how to apply clinical knowledge when assessing patients and making treatment decisions.
Both papers use single-best-answer and extended-matching questions. Candidates must pass both papers to progress to Part 2.
The Part 1 examination fee is £485 under the GDC’s 2026/27 fee structure.
How to prepare for ORE Part 1
Begin by reviewing the GDC’s published learning outcomes. Divide the syllabus into topics and use practice questions to identify areas requiring further study. Focus on applying knowledge to clinical scenarios rather than memorising isolated facts.
Review incorrect answers and revisit weaker subjects regularly. A structured revision timetable can help you cover the full syllabus before your examination.
ORE Part 2: Practical Examination Explained
The ORE Part 2 exam assesses practical clinical skills, communication and professional judgement. It consists of four components:
- Dental Manikin (DM): Assesses practical operative dentistry using a dental manikin.
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): Tests clinical knowledge, communication and decision-making through structured stations.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (DTP): Assesses the ability to interpret clinical information and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Medical Emergencies (ME): Tests the ability to recognise and manage medical emergencies in dental practice.
The examination assesses the learning outcomes expected of a dentist entering UK practice. The Part 2 fee is £6,967 under the 2026/27 fee structure. Candidates are allowed four attempts for both Part 1 and Part 2. However, candidates must pass Part 2 within five years of their first attempt at Part 1.
Candidates who pass all other Part 2 components but fail the Medical Emergencies assessment may be eligible for one additional attempt at this component alone. This retake costs £686 and does not count towards the four permitted Part 2 attempts. However, if a candidate fails the Medical Emergencies retake, they must resit the entire Part 2 examination.
ORE Exam Fees and Total Cost
The ORE exam fees for 2026/27 are:
| Fee | Amount |
| Application processing | £115 |
| ORE Part 1 | £485 |
| ORE Part 2 | £6,967 |
| Medical Emergencies retake | £686 |
Is There an Alternative to the ORE?
Yes. The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS), awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is an alternative registration examination for overseas-qualified dentists seeking registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Like the ORE, the LDS provides a route towards UK dental registration for eligible candidates who successfully complete the examination and meet the remaining GDC registration requirements. Overseas dentists can consider both options when planning their route to practising dentistry in the UK.
What Happens After Passing the ORE?
After passing both examination parts, candidates can apply for registration with the GDC. They must meet the remaining registration requirements and provide any required evidence, such as proof of identity and professional standing.
The ORE fees do not include the separate GDC registration fee. Candidates should also distinguish professional registration from immigration permission: registration does not automatically provide a UK visa or right to work.
Once registered, dentists must comply with GDC standards and annual renewal requirements to remain on the register.
Final Thoughts
The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) provides a route towards UK dental registration for eligible overseas-qualified dentists. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application requirements, examination structure and costs can help candidates prepare effectively.
Before applying, review the latest guidance published by the General Dental Council. Requirements, fees and examination arrangements can change, so official information should remain the main reference throughout the process.
At Visage Dental Recruitment, we provide overseas dentists with dedicated support throughout their ORE exam preparation, helping them understand the examination requirements and prepare for each stage. Contact us today to learn how we can support your ORE journey and help you work towards registering and practising as a dentist in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fixed pass mark for the ORE exam?
No. The pass mark is determined through a standard-setting process for each examination sitting, so it can vary between papers and exam sessions. Candidates are assessed against the required standard rather than a fixed percentage.
Can I appeal if I fail the ORE exam?
Candidates cannot appeal against the academic judgement of their ORE result. However, they may raise a complaint if a serious procedural defect disadvantaged them or if discrimination occurred. These concerns are handled through the relevant complaints process rather than a reassessment of the academic result.
Does the GDC approve or recommend ORE preparation courses?
No. The General Dental Council does not endorse, accredit or quality-assure ORE preparation courses. Candidates should research any course provider carefully, check what support is included and avoid assuming that a course guarantees a pass.
Can I apply for the ORE if I have not yet secured a job in the UK?
Yes. You do not need a UK dental job offer to apply for the ORE. However, passing the examination does not automatically grant you the right to work in the UK. You must meet the relevant GDC registration requirements and, where applicable, immigration and work-permission requirements.
Can I choose which ORE sitting to attend after joining the candidate list?
Yes. Once you are eligible to book, you can choose an available examination sitting that suits you. You are not required to book the next available sitting. However, places are limited and fill quickly, so monitor official booking announcements and remember that you must pass Part 2 within five years of your first attempt at Part 1.