Once a dentist is registered with the Council, they may apply for entry onto one of the Specialist Lists. This section details information for dentists who wish to apply to join one of the 12 distinctive branches of dentistry known as the Specialist Lists. If you would like more information on how to become a registered dentist with the GDC, please view our application questionnaire.
The Specialist Lists indicate registered dentists who meet certain conditions and are entitled to use a specialist title. A dentist does not have to be entered onto a Specialist List to carry out the practise of any particular specialty; but may only use the title ‘specialist’ if they are on the list.
To apply for entry to the Specialist Lists you must be eligible under one of the agreed entrance criteria:
UK trained Specialists - entry criteria
If you hold full GDC registration and have completed a specialist training programme approved by the GDC you may apply for the award of a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) and entry onto the relevant specialist list. Application forms will be sent to you automatically by the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) secretariat towards the end of your training.
Restorative Dentistry and the mono-specialties
If you complete a GDC recognised specialist training programme and are awarded a CCST in Restorative Dentistry you may also apply for a CCST and entry to the specialist lists in one or more of the monospecialties - Endodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics, provided you submit a separate application for each. Please note that the Specialist Dental Education Board (SDEB) may wish to consider this and other current practices as part of their responsibility for developing and approving the framework for specialist training - the Council is currently consulting on establishing the SDEB.
All other entry criteria
Please refer to the application pack guidance notes for details of all other entry criteria.
Fees
Currently, if you are applying for Orthodontics or Oral Surgery, you already have to provide payment of £250 with your application. You should also include an administration charge of £10 if you want us to return any of your supporting documents. Cheques should be made payable to the 'General Dental Council' or you may enter your credit/debit card details on the application form.
From 1 January 2008 we are introducing first listing fees for each of the specialist lists of £250 and annual retention fees again for each of the specialist lists of £52.
Further information on these changes is given at this link.
Entry into the UK Voluntary Register for Public Health Specialists
For information on the UK Voluntary Register for Public Health Specialists and their registration procedures please visit www.publichealthregister.org.uk
Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST)
If you are thinking of training to become a specialist in the UK you must complete a training programme approved by the GDC. Such a training programme will lead to the award of a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). Please note that you must hold full GDC registration to be awarded with a CCST. The Council publishes an approved curriculum for training for each specialty which are available upon request.
Applications for approved training programmes must be submitted to your regional Postgraduate Dental Dean who will monitor you throughout your period of training. At the end of your training you must hold the agreed qualification awarded by one of the Royal Surgical Colleges. You must fulfil all entry, training and assessment criteria to be eligible for the award of a CCST.
Further information and advice about specialist training can be found on the Royal College of Surgeons of England website, where you will find links to helpful publications.
Information about the availability of training programmes in your area and information on how to apply: contact your regional Postgraduate Dental Dean.
If you have any questions: