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How to apply for the ORE

Before you complete your application, please ensure you have read and understood this information.

You can apply for the ORE online via eGDC by selecting ‘Apply to register’. Please note, you will be asked to complete the route to registration questionnaire.

The ORE application form is titled 'Overseas Registration Examination'​, not 'Overseas Qualified Dentist' which requires the applicant to hold a recognised qualification from a list of GDC approved institutions prior to 2001, and completing the incorrect form will delay your application process.

Please note that there is no application fee required from applicants seeking to join the ORE candidate lists, if you are asked to make a payment during the application process this normally indicates that you are completing the wrong application form.

Following completion of the online application process, you will be issued with a personalised application form to download, print, sign and submit along with your supporting documents.

You can submit your application at any time of the year, however please note that the form should be sent to the exams team no later than three months after it has been completed and signed.

Please read all of the documents carefully before applying. You should also read our ORE application form guidance notes and guidance on English language controls for full details about our English language requirements and the evidence you should submit. Please use the common ORE application errors to assist with completing your ORE application.

The guidance notes are also included within the application form and you must make sure that you submit the correct documents. Please note that we will only accept applications that include a ENIC Statement of Comparability in addition to a copy of your primary dental degree certificate.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are available to applicants who might find using the online eGDC route to registration difficult. Please get in touch to request a reasonable adjustment.

Incomplete or out of date applications cannot be processed and will be returned.

Please note: We will occasionally identify and remove inactive candidates (those candidates who have not booked, or attempted to book, onto any Part 1 examination) from the ORE Part 1 waiting list. This is to ensure that numbers waiting to sit the examination reflect those candidates who are actively interested in sitting the examination and to ensure that candidates on the waiting list have met necessary application entry requirements, which can be subject to change. Please note that candidates have a maximum of five years to complete the ORE from first attempting Part 1.

What happens next

When we receive your application, we will:

Once you have set up your eGDC account, and an exam booking window opens, you will be able to attempt to reserve a place online using eGDC.

An examination officer will normally consider an application within 30 working days from the date of receipt. The time it takes to process an application will depend on whether the applicant has included all necessary documents, and an applicant's referees responding to our email requests in good time.

If you have any queries please read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) or  contact us.