GDC announces new alternative evidence policy to support refugee and displaced dental professionals

We have today announced a new policy to accept alternative forms of evidence from refugee and displaced dental professionals, removing unnecessary barriers for those unable to provide standard documentation due to circumstances beyond their control.

The policy will apply to dentists with international qualifications pursuing exam-based routes to join our register, as well as dental care professionals with overseas qualifications undergoing assessment.

Many displaced dental professionals face significant challenges in obtaining the documentation required for registration, such as original qualification certificates, letters of good standing, and identity documents. Institutions in conflict zones may no longer exist or be able to issue documents, whilst some may have had to flee without bringing essential documents with them. Others may be unable to request documents from their country of origin due to fear of alerting authorities that they have left.

Under the new policy, we will work with candidates who have protected status in the UK or demonstrate that they are not able to provide the standard documents on a case-by-case basis. Examples of possible forms of alternative evidence include an e-visa or refugee status document issued by the UK Government, an affidavit or character declaration from an applicant’s employer or a GDC registrant, or a letter from the applicant’s education institution confirming that they completed the relevant education and training.

It builds on the policy launched in January this year, which introduced priority access to the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) booking system for dental professionals with refugee status.

Since the priority booking system was introduced, 167 refugee dental professionals have been granted priority access to the ORE across six sittings of the Part 1 and Part 2 exams combined. The initiative has successfully supported displaced professionals whilst maintaining broad access to the exam, with an average of 93% of places remaining available for general booking.

Most recently, 44 refugee candidates were granted priority access to the January 2026 Part 1 exam, with 93% of the 600 available places still accessible to other applicants.

Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director of Strategy at the GDC, said: “We’re committed to being an inclusive and equitable regulator. We recognise that refugees and displaced dental professionals face unique challenges in providing standard documentation to join our registers through no fault of their own, and we’re working to reduce the disproportionate difficulties that these applicants experience. “

The policy covers individuals granted international protection by the Home Office, including those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, and those resettled through Afghan and Ukrainian schemes. Applicants who have been displaced due to political situations or other factors beyond their control will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Further information for refugee and displaced dental professionals here.