Dentistry has launched a petition calling for a priority booking system to be introduced for the overseas registration exam (ORE).
A significantly in-demand exam, the ORE booking system currently works in a way similar to securing concert tickets – whoever is fastest on the day. As a result, those who have previously tried and failed to book an exam place will have just as much of a chance as somebody who is attempting to book for the first time.
According to research by the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), in June this year an estimated 5,000 fully-trained overseas dentists were in the registration queue to practise as dentists in the UK.
As a result, we believe that a quick, short-term solution to getting enthusiastic and talented overseas dentists into the UK dental system is for the General Dental Council (GDC) to introduce a priority booking system for both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exams.
This, we believe, will reduce participant anxiety, protect the reputation of UK dentistry and, ultimately, help to plug the shortfall in the dental workforce.
Improving UK dental access
We understand that this is not the only solution – wider, long-term policies need to be considered to make the ORE a more effective system. We believe, however, that this will alleviate the months of uncertainty faced by thousands of clinicians attempting to book the exam and restore some faith in a system that could have a key role to play in improving dental access in the UK.
Alongside this petition, we will be publishing articles deep-diving into the challenges of the current ORE process for the rest of 2025. From the stories of those impacted to thought leadership on solutions, we hope to raise awareness and elevate the necessary voices to push for positive change.
You can sign the petition below:
Make the ORE booking system fairer for dentists
1750
Signatures (88%)
2000
Goal
Make the overseas registration exam (ORE) booking system fairer for dentists
We call on the General Dental Council (GDC) to reform the booking system for the overseas registration exam (ORE) to make it fairer and more supportive of internationally-trained dentists.
Currently, securing a place for ORE Part 1 and Part 2 is like getting festival tickets — the system favours ‘fastest-finger first’, with how long a dentist has been trying to book a place carrying no weight. Dentists must repeatedly refresh the webpage and compete in a stressful, luck-based race to book an exam. We feel this approach:
- Penalises perseverance: Those who have already invested time, money and effort in previous attempts are not given priority
- Causes unnecessary stress: Candidates face months or years of uncertainty while waiting for an exam slot
- Wastes talent: Skilled overseas dentists are unable to practise – even as the UK faces critical dental workforce shortages.
We propose a fairer system where priority is given to candidates who have previously attempted to book the ORE – allowing the process to be truly first come, first served.
Reforming the booking system is an effective short-term step that can be implemented quickly to relieve pressure on candidates and the dental workforce.
We acknowledge that broader, complementary action is also necessary, including the continued growth of available ORE places, and investment in UK dental schools and training capacities.
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If you’d like to tell your story, please email gaby.bissett@fmc.co.uk.
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