How can I get temporary registered?
You can apply for temporary registration only if you have been offered an employment contract for one of the approved posts. If you do have such an employment offer, please contact the temporary registration desk for an application form. If it is a dental attachment post, please also contact the NACPDE.
Where can I work with temporary registration?
You can work only in one of the posts approved for temporary registration (details of these posts are available on this website).
Do I need to do a language test in order to apply for temporary registration?
No. It is not a requirement for temporary registration but you may need to satisfy your employer of your level of English language skills.
I was told by an employer that before I can apply for a job as a dentist, I need to be registered?
You should check your eligibility for temporary registration on this website and confirm you have done this to your employer. If you are successful in securing an approved post, you would then need to contact the GDC for an application form before you can start working.
Where can I look for a job?
Advice on employment matters in the UK can be obtained from the NACPDE. A database of approved posts is available on the Royal College of Surgeons of England website which can be found at www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental/fds (please note that the posts are displayed only as a guide and are not a list of vacancies). The database includes posts for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Posts in Scotland are approved by one of the two Scottish Royal Surgical Colleges. Please note that the GDC is not involved in the recruitment of dentists and cannot offer any assistance in helping you find employment.
Can I work in private or general practice as an assistant dentist under supervision?
No. Temporary registration will not be granted for any posts in private or general practice. You should not apply for dental jobs advertised by dental practices unless you hold full registration with the GDC.
I am an overseas qualified dentist. Can I work as a dental hygienist or dental therapist?
No. Only registered dental hygienists or dental therapists can practise and use the titles dental hygienist or dental therapist. You would need to complete a full two-year course at a UK school of Dental Hygiene/Therapy and pass an examination for a Diploma in Dental Hygiene/Therapy before becoming eligible to register as a dental hygienist or dental therapist in the UK. Please contact the GDC for further information.
Can I work as a dental nurse?
No. Only registered dental nurses can practice and use the title dental nurse. You will need to complete a GDC approved dental nurse qualification. Please contact the GDC for further information.
Can I accept a locum appointment?
Yes. You can apply for temporary registration if you have an employment offer to cover for an approved training post. Please note that you cannot accept an offer for less than 3 months, as the minimum period of temporary registration that can be granted is 12 consecutive weeks.
How can I get TR for MSc or PhD?
If you are doing a university approved course, you do not need to be registered for clinical work which is part of your programme. You only need to apply for registration if you will be given a contract with a hospital.
Can I apply for TR to do Research project?
Yes, provided you will be given a contract for such an appointment. Applications for research are considered on an individual basis.
I have been offered a clinical/dental attachment by my consultant. How can I apply for Temporary registration?
Please contact the NACPDE for further assistance as the GDC will not send you an application form for temporary registration without an approval letter from the NACPDE in your name.
I have been offered a Dental Observership. Do I need temporary registration?
No. If you are only observing you may do so without registration. If you are required to have any clinical contact with patients then you must be registered. If you will be occupying a Dental Observership post, please contact the NACPDE for further advice.
I have been offered a trust doctor post (SHO grade) or staff grade post. Will I be able to apply for temporary registration?
If it is not an approved training post and you will not be supervised, temporary registration will not be granted and you may not accept an offer of employment for the post. If it is a training, teaching or research position, please contact the GDC with further details of the post.
What is my visa status and how can I get a work permit?
Unfortunately we do not offer any advice on this issue. Please contact the Home Office.
Why am I having trouble finding a job in an approved post?
The availability of approved posts is limited. There is also a high volume of applications for any vacancies so you should be aware that confirmation of your eligibility for temporary registration does not guarantee employment.
Can I do vocational training?
You have to be fully registered to undertake vocational training. Please contact the Dental Vocational Training Authority.
Can I complete my internship in the UK?
Temporary Registration is granted for postgraduate study, teaching or research. It is not given for undergraduate training. If the award of dental degree requires completion of a compulsory period of internship then you must complete this in the country where your degree will be awarded.