Document and English checklist
Missing or wrongly certified paperwork is the most common cause of delay. This is a practical checklist of what to gather before you apply, how certified copies need to be attested, and the exact English requirement, so you can send a complete application the first time.
Documents to gather
- The UK ENIC statement showing your degree is comparable to a UK qualification
- A Certificate of Good Standing from every regulator you have been registered with
- A certified copy of your passport
- Certified copies of your dental degree
- A character reference
- Evidence of any name change, if your documents are in different names
- Evidence that you meet the English requirement
How to certify your copies
A certified copy must carry a statement such as "This is a true copy of the original" and be attested by a suitable person, for example a GDC registrant, a solicitor or a notary. The person certifying signs and dates the copy and confirms it matches the original.
Where a document is not in English, you also need a certified translation to go with it. Do not rely on an informal translation, as it will not be accepted.
The English requirement
IELTS Academic
Overall 7.0
With no individual component below 6.5.
OET
Grade B
Grade B in each of the four components.
An accepted exemption
No test needed
For example a dental qualification taught and examined entirely in English, passing another English-speaking regulator's test, or recent practice in a majority English-speaking country.
You meet the requirement through one of these routes. For the full detail on each option, see the English Language guide.
Evidence of 1,600 hours of clinical experience
Both routes require evidence of at least 1,600 hours of clinical patient experience before you apply. For the ORE this is a GDC eligibility requirement; for the LDS you must provide one or more clinical experience references confirming at least 1,600 hours prior to applying to sit the exam. Gather proof of this alongside your other documents so it does not hold up your application.
English Language
The accepted tests and exemptions in full.
Recognising Your Qualification
How to get the UK ENIC statement.
GDC Registration
The full registration process and fees.
Check the latest with the GDC
The exact documents and the way they must be certified can change, so confirm the current requirements on the GDC website before you apply.
How to apply on the GDC websiteBe first in line when your course goes live
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