Sarah Buxton explains the impact of the new limitations on skilled worker visas in dentistry and what employers need to do.
There are immigration changes coming into force today (22 July 2025), which will clearly affect recruitment and retention of the dental team. Not only do we have the Employment Rights Bill to be considering and the numerous changes being made to the employment legislation, but the rules surrounding immigration are changing.
These updates aim to tighten immigration controls, prioritise higher-skilled roles, and reduce reliance on overseas team members but will have a huge impact on the dental industry. The aim of the new rules is to prioritise domestic talent, however it is clear this is going to have a damaging effect on the healthcare sector.
So what is changing?
New minimum skill level: jobs must now meet RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) to qualify for skilled worker sponsorship. This will have a significant impact on the dental team and dental nurses will no longer qualify. It should be noted that if you already sponsor an employee before 22 July 2025, they can continue in their roles and you can extend their visas. However new applicants must meet the updated criteria.
Increased salary requirements: the general salary requirements are changing from £38,700 to £41,700 per year, or £17.13 per hour. All new certificates of sponsorship issued after 22 July must meet the new salary levels – even for extensions.
Restrictions on dependants: Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 (even if on shortage lists) cannot bring dependants to the UK. This does not apply for existing team members on visas, just for new applicants.
Review and reassess
Dentists will still be eligible – they remain classified at RQF Level 6, meaning they still qualify for skilled worker visas. However, they must meet the new minimum salary of £41,700 per year or the occupation-specific rate. Dentists also remain eligible under the health and care visa route – provided they meet sponsorship and GDC registration requirements.
However, dental nurses, hygienists and dental technicians will no longer be eligible. These roles are now classified below RQF Level 6 and have been removed from the skilled worker visa eligibility list; therefore, no new overseas applicants can be sponsored for these roles after 22 July 2025. It should be noted that existing visa holders can extend or switch roles if their original certificate of sponsorship was issued before the deadline.
For any practice owner who engage oversees workers, it is important that you conduct a review and reassess job eligibility and salary offer.
It is also advisable that you consider the impact of the current and forthcoming changes in respect of employment and immigration legislation when you look at your strategic planning for your business. It may be that you now try to focus on domestic trained talent and explore apprenticeships.
Additionally, it is understood that there are further changes on the cards in respect of the changes to the immigration legislation, so it may be that the rules are slackened to help an already-strained industry. Let’s watch this space!
