Advice for dentists qualified outside the European Economic Area - guidance for graduates of Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa
1. Introduction
This page provides information for the following category of dentists:
• Dentists who have never been registered in the UK and who wish to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC); and
• Who have a dental qualification awarded outside the EEA (including the UK); and
• Where the qualification is recognised for registration by the GDC.
2. Recognition of your qualification
Your qualification will be recognised for registration with the GDC if you can meet the following criteria:
• Your country of qualification and qualification is listed in the table below; and
• Your qualification was awarded within the dates specified in the table below.
| Country and university of qualification |
Qualifications recognised from that country |
Dates within which the qualification must have been granted for the qualification to be recognised in the UK |
| Australia – University of Adelaide |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Australia – University of Melbourne |
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Australia – University of Queensland |
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Australia – University of Sydney |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Australia – University of Western Australia |
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Hong Kong - University of Hong Kong |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Malaysia -University of Malaya |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2000 |
| New Zealand - University of Otago |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| Singapore - University of Singapore |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| South Africa - Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA) |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) |
Qualification must have been granted between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2000 |
| South Africa - University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| South Africa - University of Stellenbosch |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
| South Africa - University of Western Cape |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) |
Qualification must have been granted before 31 December 1997 |
| South Africa - University of Witwatersrand |
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) |
Qualification must have been granted before 1 January 2001 |
If you cannot meet the criteria above you must pass the GDC’s Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) in order to obtain registration.
3. The Application Process
If you meet the criteria above and wish to apply for registration with the GDC please print an application pack cover letter, an advice sheet, a list of fees payable and application form from the links below.
Please send your complete application and supporting documentation to:
The Registration Team
General Dental Council
44 Baker Street
London
W1U 7BE
UK
4. Processing times
Current processing times are published on this website.
It is illegal to practise dentistry in the UK before a registration number is issued.
An Original Registration Certificate will be sent to your address upon successful inclusion to the Register. You may also search the online Registers on this website. Your name, qualification(s), registered address and registration number will appear in the Register when you are registered.
Once registered you must have professional indemnity to practise in the UK.
5. Contact Details
If you are unclear about any matter, please telephone the GDC Registration Department on Tel: +44 (0) 20 7887 3800; Fax: +44 (0)20 7487 2643; Email: GDCRegistration@gdc-uk.org.
Please note we do not make appointments with potential applicants. If an appointment is necessary once you have submitted your application, a member of the Registration Department will contact you to arrange a suitable time.