‘A fairer system would not only help candidates like me but also benefit the NHS and patients’ – we hear from an overseas-trained dentist, who wishes to remain anonymous, about why overseas registration exam (ORE) reform is so crucial.
Tell us a bit more about your background
I am a general dental practitioner (GDP) from India with more than nine years of clinical experience. Before moving to the UK, I managed four clinics before the pandemic, and later two clinics as both practitioner and manager. My work has always gone beyond treatment – I focused on raising awareness about oral health, counselling patients, and helping them understand that oral health is directly linked to overall health.
What motivated you to pursue registration as a dentist in the UK?
The main motivation was the value the UK places on dentistry. In India, oral health is often overlooked, but in the UK, patients are aware of its importance and attend regular check-ups. Dentistry here is respected as an essential part of general health, and patients genuinely listen to and appreciate professional advice. That culture inspired me – I wanted to practise in an environment where oral health is not just about money but about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
How would you describe your experience with the ORE application and registration system?
My experience has been very frustrating. The system feels based on luck rather than merit. The limited release of exam slots means that even if you are fully prepared, you may not secure a place. This uncertainty damages confidence and wastes valuable time, effort, and money. Experienced professionals who are ready to serve patients are left waiting indefinitely.
Have you faced any specific challenges in accessing Part 1 or Part 2 of the ORE?
Yes. I am still trying to secure a slot for Part 1, but with no success. The biggest challenge is that candidates who have been waiting for years may still not get a place, while first-time applicants sometimes succeed immediately. This random allocation is extremely discouraging. A fairer and more transparent booking process is urgently needed.
What impact has this had on you and your family?
The delays have been difficult. While waiting, I have had to take on non-dental jobs, such as working at Morrisons. Although this helps financially, it is disheartening to spend my time at a supermarket till when I know I have the skills to help patients and relieve some of the pressure on the NHS. My family feels the impact as well, both financially and emotionally, as the uncertainty creates stress and makes it difficult to plan our future.
Have you had to take on other jobs or training while waiting to complete the ORE?
Yes. Like many overseas-qualified dentists, I have had to work outside my profession to support my family. This is frustrating because my clinical skills and years of experience are being wasted. I still study and prepare for the ORE, but balancing this with unrelated work is draining and delays my ability to return to dentistry.
What do you think is the solution?
The booking system needs urgent reform. One solution could be to prioritise candidates who have failed to secure a slot after two attempts, giving them priority on the third try. This would make the process fairer and reduce the reliance on chance.
A fairer system would not only help candidates like me but also benefit the NHS and patients. There is already a shortage of dentists in the UK. Many skilled professionals are stuck in unrelated jobs while patients face long waits for treatment. By giving us a fair chance to complete the ORE and rejoin the profession, the system would help reduce waiting times, improve oral health, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
You can sign the petition below:
Make the ORE booking system fairer for dentists
Signatures (88%)
Goal
Make the overseas registration exam (ORE) booking system fairer for dentists
We call on the General Dental Council (GDC) to reform the booking system for the overseas registration exam (ORE) to make it fairer and more supportive of internationally-trained dentists.
Currently, securing a place for ORE Part 1 and Part 2 is like getting festival tickets — the system favours ‘fastest-finger first’, with how long a dentist has been trying to book a place carrying no weight. Dentists must repeatedly refresh the webpage and compete in a stressful, luck-based race to book an exam. We feel this approach:
– Penalises perseverance: Those who have already invested time, money and effort in previous attempts are not given priority
– Causes unnecessary stress: Candidates face months or years of uncertainty while waiting for an exam slot
– Wastes talent: Skilled overseas dentists are unable to practise – even as the UK faces critical dental workforce shortages.
We propose a fairer system where priority is given to candidates who have previously attempted to book the ORE – allowing the process to be truly first come, first served.
Reforming the booking system is an effective short-term step that can be implemented quickly to relieve pressure on candidates and the dental workforce.
We acknowledge that broader, complementary action is also necessary, including the continued growth of available ORE places, and investment in UK dental schools and training capacities.
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To read more real life stories and thought leadership on the ORE, simply visit:
/tag/unlocking-the-ore.
