GDC welcomes new flexible legislation for international registration

The updated legislation brings immediate changes affecting those who have been unable to sit the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) due to the necessary suspension of the exam due to the pandemic, who will now have more time to sit the exam. The changes will also mean that only those who hold a relevant qualification as a dental care professional (DCP) can apply for registration as a DCP.  

The reforms provide the flexible framework and powers needed to update and modernise processes for the registration of those who qualify outside of the UK. These will take some time to develop, but provide an opportunity to create a new approach that meets the needs of applicants, the public and the sector. 

The GDC plans to consult on proposed ORE rules in the coming months.   

Stefan Czerniawski, GDC Executive Director, Strategy, said: 

“This updated and more flexible legislation finally provides us with the framework we need to update our approach to international registration for those who qualify overseas and who meet our high standards for safe and effective care. It also aligns our overseas qualification requirements for DCPs with those for UK applicants. 

“The priority is to propose and consult on new rules for the ORE, because the current arrangements are not efficient or effective for the current number of applicants.   

“Removing the overly prescriptive constraints is an important first step to creating a more effective system. But the longer-term challenge will then be to develop new approaches which maintain the rigour of our standards while ensuring that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand.”