GDC introduces priority booking for dental professionals with refugee status

GDC have introduced a new policy that will give priority access to the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) booking system for dental professionals with refugee status.

Under the new policy, candidates who choose to provide evidence of their refugee status will receive priority booking for up to two attempts at both parts of the ORE, ensuring they have a fair chance to complete the registration process.

Refugee candidates will have access to a dedicated booking window before general bookings open. Priority booking for refugee candidates for each part of the exam will open two weeks ahead of the general booking windows for the April 2025 ORE sittings. The priority places for refugees are expected to represent a small percentage of the overall number of seats.

GDC stakeholder engagement revealed the multiple barriers to registration that refugees face, including difficulties accessing documentation providing evidence of their qualifications and the inability to return to their home countries to practise.

Without exam places, these dental professionals cannot register to practise in the UK, potentially leading to skills degradation and financial inequality. The new policy aims to address the unique challenges these professionals face when seeking to practise dentistry in the UK.

As part of the UK's commitment to the UN Refugee Convention, the policy demonstrates our commitment to support refugees, improving their ability to join the register. This approach reinforces GDC commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, responding directly to stakeholder feedback.

Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director, Strategy at the GDC, said: "We recognise the distinct challenges faced by refugee dental professionals in their paths to registration. By providing priority exam access, we're helping skilled professionals restart their careers and provide much needed dental care in the UK at a time when their expertise continues to be in high demand.

"This new policy demonstrates our commitment to supporting the integration of qualified refugee dental professionals into the workforce while ensuring all overseas-qualified dentists meet the same rigorous standards required to practice in the UK."

To be eligible for priority booking, candidates must provide evidence of their refugee status as recognised by the Home Office. This includes individuals granted refugee status under the UN Convention, humanitarian protection, and those admitted under specific resettlement schemes such as those for Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Refugee dental professionals must still meet the same high standards to pass the ORE and join the register. We are also actively working to expand overall ORE capacity through ongoing procurement efforts, which aims to increase capacity for candidates.

More information for refugee dental professionals.