If you’re a dentist registered with the GDC, you may apply to join one of the GDC’s 13 Specialist Lists.
Here, we give more information on registering as a specialist. If you just want information on how to register as a dentist with the GDC, see our application questionnaire.
The Specialist Lists are lists of registered dentists who meet certain conditions and are entitled to use a specialist title. You don’t have to join a Specialist List to practise any particular specialty; but you can only use the title “specialist” if you are on the List.
To apply for entry to the Specialist Lists you must be eligible under one of the agreed entry 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. Further information is available from your local postgraduate dental deanery.
Restorative Dentistry and the Mono-Specialties
If you have completed a GDC-recognised specialist training programme and been 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 mono-specialties – endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics - provided you submit a separate application for each.
The GDC is in the process of approving new curricula for each of the specialties. For those dentists completing specialist training under the new curriculum for restorative dentistry and wishing to apply for entry onto one of the related lists (endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics) a different procedure from that described above will apply.
Here is a link to our full policy statement on this matter.
Restorative Dentistry - Policy Statement 08.09 (Word, 30.5kb)
The new curriculum for restorative dentistry is available here:
Restorative Curriculum June 2009 (PDF, 656k)
Special Care Dentistry
A new specialty of Special Care Dentistry has been established, with a transitional period for joining the List. Until 30 September 2010, those interested may apply to join the List on the basis of their specialist training, qualifications and experience. After 30 September 2010, UK applicants will normally need to hold a Certificate of Completion in Specialist Training in order to join the List.
Please note there is a separate application pack if you are applying under the transitional arrangements for the Special Care Dentistry List. Download the Special Care Dentistry List application pack here.
If you apply, you may wish to refer to the Special Care Dentistry CCST curriculum to help with your application. Download the Special Care Dentistry curriculum.
Forthcoming Specialist Advisory Committee Panel dates are as follows:
- 16 March 2010
- 27 April 2010
- 25 May 2010
- 29 June 2010
- 27 July 2010
- 24 August 2010
- 28 September 2010
Please note that a completed application must be received at the Council offices at least 10 working days in advance of a panel in order for it to be considered. Due to the increasing numbers of applications being received it will not always be possible for an application to be considered at the next scheduled panel. In the instance that an application cannot be considered it will receive consideration at the next available panel.
All other entry criteria
Please refer to the Specialist Lists application pack guidance notes for details of all other entry criteria. All applicants for the specialist lists need to show that they have met the requirements of the specialty curricula.
Fees
First listing fees for each of the Specialist Lists is £250; 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 “General Dental Council” or you may enter your credit/debit card details on the application form. The payment will be processed when the application is received and does not reflect the result of a successful application. The Annual Retention Fee for each of the Specialist Lists is £52.
Entry into the UK Voluntary Register for Public Health Specialists
The UK 'Voluntary Register for Public Health Specialists' website contains information on their registration procedures.
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, leading to the award of a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). Please note that you must hold full GDC registration to be awarded a CCST.
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.
For information about the availability of training programmes in your area and information on how to apply, contact your regional Postgraduate Dental Dean.
Specialty curricula
The GDC is in the process of approving new curricula for each of the specialties. The first of these new curricula are now available here:
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Curriculum June 2009
Paediatric Dentistry Curriculum June 2009
Restorative Curriculum June 2009 (PDF, 656k)
The curricula for the remaining specialties will be added over the course of 2009.
New trainees for programmes leading to the award of a CCST will be taught and assessed according to the 2009 curricula.
These curricula will also be valid for those applying under alternative routes.
Policy on the Specialist Lists
Please note that the Specialist Dental Education Board (SDEB) advises the GDC on specialist lists policy, but all policy decisions are taken by the GDC Education Committee.
If you have any questions on applying to join the specialist lists please contact the registration team by phone: 0845 222 4141 or email: gdcregistration@gdc-uk.org