Refugee dentists given easier access to UK registration

A new alternative evidence policy will reduce barriers to registration for refugee and displaced dental professionals, the General Dental Council (GDC) says.

The policy will allow the GDC to accept alternative forms of evidence where refugee and displaced dental professionals are unable to provide usual documentation due to circumstances beyond their control.

The regulator acknowledged that professionals in this position may struggle to obtain documentation such as original qualification certificates, letters of good standing and identity documents. This is because institutions in conflict zones may be unable to issue the documents, while refugees may not wish to alert the authorities that they have left their country of origin by requesting them.

Candidates who have protected status in the UK or prove that they are unable to obtain the documentation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the GDC. Examples of alternative evidence that may be accepted include an e-visa or refugee status document, an affidavit or character declaration from an employer or GDC registrant, or a letter from the applicant’s education institution confirming they completed the relevant training.

Stefan Czerniawski, executive director of strategy at the GDC, said: ‘We’re committed to being an inclusive and equitable regulator. We recognise that refugees and displaced dental professionals face unique challenges in providing standard documentation to join our registers through no fault of their own, and we’re working to reduce the disproportionate difficulties that these applicants experience. 

‘The policy covers individuals granted international protection by the Home Office, including those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, and those resettled through Afghan and Ukrainian schemes. Applicants who have been displaced due to political situations or other factors beyond their control will be considered on a case-by-case basis.’

ORE access for refugee dental professionals

The policy will apply to internationally-qualified dentists pursuing exam-based routes to registration, as well as dental care professionals with overseas qualifications undergoing assessment.

It builds on the announcement in January 2025 that refugee dental professionals would be given priority access to the overseas registration exam (ORE). Those with refugee status now have access to a dedicated booking window two weeks before general booking opens.

Since it was introduced, the GDC said 167 refugee dental professionals have been granted priority access to the ORE across six sittings of both Part 1 and Part 2. Most recently, 44 refugee candidates were granted priority access to the January 2026 Part 1 exam, with 93% of the 600 available places still accessible to other applicants.

Dentistry recently launched a petition calling for a priority booking system to be introduced for those who have previously tried to get a place on the ORE.

Currently, whoever is fastest on the day wins an exam place. Those who have previously tried and failed to book a place given are no priority over somebody who is attempting to book for the first time.

Dentistry believes that introducing a priority booking system for both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exams is a quick, short-term solution to getting enthusiastic and talented overseas dentists into the UK dental system.

You can sign the petition below:

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