How to apply for the ORE

You will need to successfully complete the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) application process before you can book onto a sitting. Review information below before starting your application, and the other details we provide before you apply.

You can apply online. Read the relevant guidance listed, and then select the Route to Registration button to begin the questionnaire. Select the options that apply to get to the ORE Application.

Do not complete the Dentist Overseas Qualified Application, unless you hold a recognised overseas qualification (applies only to certain qualifications obtained before 2001). There is also a separate application for those who qualify in the EEA or Switzerland.

Completing the wrong form will delay the process.

Application processing fee

We ask you to pay an application processing fee of £96. You will need to pay this fee before you can download the full ORE Application.

The application processing fee is charged each time an application is made. If your application has a missing requirement, we will allow one resubmission without charge, if returned within 28 days.

The application processing fee is not refundable.

Completing your application

Completing your application and gathering your supporting documents together can take some time, but you should be able to complete the process on your own. It is not possible for any organisation, broker or service provider to guarantee a successful application.

You will be issued with a personalised ORE Application to download, complete and sign. You should read the guidance carefully, and allow time to complete it. All signatures must be in ink. We do not accept electronic signatures.

Your application will be decided only on the basis of the information you provide. We will contact you directly if there are issues.

It takes around 60 working days for us to process an application. It will take much longer if there are missing or expired supporting documents.

You will need the following supporting documents:

your primary dental qualification
statement or certificate of comparability
certificate or letter of good standing
evidence of English language skills
character and clinical experience references.

Submitting your application

Submit your completed ORE Application with all supporting documents. Make sure we receive your application no later than three months after you have completed and signed it (this time limit also applies to the date of signatures on supporting documents).

The guidance notes are also included within the ORE Application. Use the checklist and be sure to submit the correct supporting documents.

Incomplete or out of date applications cannot be processed and will be returned. Use the checklist before submitting. Send your application and supporting documents to our Birmingham office.

When we receive your application, we will:

confirm receipt by email within five working days
check all your supporting documents
contact your application referees to check references.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are available to applicants who might find using the online application process difficult.

Inactive ORE candidates

Those who successfully complete the ORE application process are added to our candidate list, and are eligible to book an ORE place.

We occasionally identify and remove inactive candidates from the candidate list. These are candidates who are eligible, but have not booked or attempted to book onto any Part 1 sitting.

We do this so that the candidate list includes only those who are actively interested in sitting the ORE and have met the necessary entry requirements, which can be subject to change.

What happens next

We will email you when the process has been successfully completed.

Our email will include instructions on how to set up your eGDC account. You will be able to book a place on the ORE using eGDC.

We provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions.