Overseas-qualified dentists can join the GDC register through the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), Parts 1 and 2; through the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, which the College says makes you eligible to apply for registration with the GDC; or through a narrow list of historically recognised overseas qualifications, mostly from before 2001. Overseas dental care professionals are assessed by an independent GDC panel.
- Check which route applies to your qualification on the GDC's website.
- Check the English language requirement. The GDC's key facts page asks for Academic IELTS with an overall score of at least 7 and at least 6.5 in each component; the GDC says its English language guidance is under review, so check the current requirement.
- Prepare your application and evidence.
Our Overseas Registrant GDC Application Consultation analyses the CPD you have already done against GDC standards and guides you to compliant reports: see pricing.
Source: GDC: join the register · GDC: key facts about registration · RCS England: LDS, checked 10 October 2026. The regulator's own guidance always takes precedence.
Still stuck? Email dental@cpdpro.org.uk or use support in the app, and expect a response within an hour or less.