Immigrate to UK as a Dentist

If you plan to immigrate to the UK as a dentist, you need to be armed with the knowledge of the structured steps, from validating qualifications to securing the necessary visa. This Visa Library article serves as a comprehensive guide for international dentists and tells you how to work as a foreign dentist in the UK. Keep reading our article to learn about the eligibility conditions, language proficiency, ORE exam, and steps of getting a UK work visa.

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Table of Contents

How to Work and Immigrate to the UK as a Dentist?

dental certificate for work

Working as a dentist in the UK involves several steps for foreigners looking to complete the process of overseas dentist registration in the UK. The process includes:

Before moving, ask yourself: "What is the entry requirement for dentistry in the UK?" and make sure you meet them. These requirements ensure that your qualifications and skills align with UK standards and regulations.

What qualifications do you need to be a dentist in the UK?

• A dental degree that is considered equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree in dentistry. It should be from an institution recognized by the dental regulatory body in your country.
• While not always mandatory, having professional experience of at least two to three years can enhance your eligibility.
• You must be a registered dentist in your home country or the country where your qualifications were obtained.
• You must do checks on your medical history, criminal record, and any past disciplinary actions to ensure that you are capable of practicing safely and effectively.
• Familiarity with the UK's health and safety protocols ensures you can meet the legal and professional expectations in the UK.
• Demonstrating financial stability is often necessary to immigrate to the UK as a dentist. Having at least £3,000 to £5,000 can help cover initial moving and settling costs in the UK.

Step 2. Passing Language Tests

To practice dentistry in the UK, You need to prove your English proficiency through tests like IELTS or OET.

• The IELTS score for dentists in the UK is at least 7, with no less than 6.5 in each of the four components.
• For OET, you need at least a Grade B (advanced level) in each of the four components.

Step 3. Getting Your Qualifications Recognized

To immigrate to the UK as a dentist, you must apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for registration. It is a mandatory step for foreign dentists in the UK. Let's dive in:

• Decide whether you need to take the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) or the License in Dental Surgery (LDS).
• Dentists who qualified outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and whose qualifications are not recognized directly by the GDC need to take the ORE.
• The LDS is an alternative to the ORE. It is intended for those whose qualifications are not recognized automatically by the GDC.
• Pass the required exams. You can find more information about the ORE in the next section. Keep in mind that LDS involves similar assessments tailored to test your dental practice readiness in the UK context.
• Gather your documents:
• Prepare all required documentation, which includes:
• Identity proof (passport)
• Your dental qualification certificates
• Evidence of English knowledge
• A certificate of good standing or a letter of recommendation. It must be from the dental regulator in the country where you have been practicing.
• Any additional documents
• You will need to create an account on the GDC website and fill in your application. This includes personal information, educational background, professional experience, and details about any previous registrations with dental authorities.
• Submit your application and pay the fee of approximately £1,056. Dentists must also pay an annual retention fee of approximately £690 to maintain their registration.
• The GDC will review your application and verify the documents provided.
• The GDC may require health assessments or additional background checks to ensure you can practice safely and effectively.
• The processing time takes between 2 to 4 months. If approved, you will receive confirmation and be added to the dental register.

Step 4. Finding a Dentist Job in the UK

Look for dental jobs in the UK. How to get a job as a dentist in the UK? Websites, recruitment agencies, and networking can be good ways to find suitable positions.

Job Searching Websites

• Indeed
• Reed
• Totaljobs
• NHS Jobs
• CV-Library

Recruitment Agencies

• Dental Elite
• Flame Health

Step 5. Securing a UK Visa

To immigrate to the UK as a dentist, you must apply for a dentist visa sponsorship in the UK. The Health and Care Worker visa is specific for medical professionals. Let's see how to apply:

• Have a job offer from a UK-based employer who is approved by the Home Office to sponsor Health and Care Worker visas.
• Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It is a unique reference number that confirms that the employer is offering you a position that meets the salary and skill requirements for the visa.
• Ensure you meet other visa eligibility requirements. For example, dentists' salary threshold must be a minimum of £20,480 or the appropriate rate for the job, whichever is higher.
• Gather your documents, including your passport, proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET), the Certificate of Sponsorship, and proof of maintenance funds unless your sponsor can certify maintenance on your CoS.
• Fill out the visa application form online. You can find it on the UK government's official visa and immigration website. You will need to provide personal details, your CoS number, and information about your job and sponsor.
• Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The fee for up to 3 years is approximately £232, and approximately £464 for more than 3 years. The IHS allows you to use the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The pay for Immigration Health Surcharge is £624 per year for each year of your visa.
• As part of your application, you will need to provide your biometric information at a visa application center. You must get a biometric residence permit, which is necessary for your stay in the UK.
• In some cases, you may need to attend an interview and answer some questions about your application and your intentions in the UK.
• Wait for a decision. Health and Care Worker visa applications take about 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. You can pay for expedited processing, which aims to process your application within 5 working days.
• Once approved, receive your UK work visa , immigrate to the UK as a dentist, and start working. Your biometric residence permit should be collected within 10 days of when you said you'd arrive in the UK.

Step 6. Planning Your Move

When planning your move to the UK as a dentist, there are several steps you need to take. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

Necessary Registrations for Dentists

• NHS Performers List Registration. It is Required for dentists who want to work with the NHS in the UK, confirming they meet the necessary qualifications and standards to provide NHS services. Apply through NHS England's regional team for the area where you will work, complete an application form, and provide relevant documents, including your GDC registration certificate. There is no fee for registering with the NHS Performers List.
• Local GP Registration. Individuals can register with a local general practitioner (GP) for access to primary healthcare services, including medical consultations and treatments. To register, visit the chosen GP practice, complete a registration form, and provide your personal details, NHS number (if you have one), and proof of address. The process is free.

Settling in the UK

Banking

• Barclays
• HSBC
• Lloyds Bank
• NatWest

Housing

• Rightmove
• Zoopla
• OnTheMarket
• SpareRoom (for shared housing options)

Health Insurance

• Bupa
• AXA Health
• Aviva
• VitalityHealth

Cost of Living

To have a good life as a dentist in the UK, you can need £2,000 to £3,000 per month to live outside London and £3,000 to £5,000 per month to live in London.

Can a Foreign Dentist Work in the UK?

Yes, a foreign dentist can have a career as a dentist in the UK. Still, they must pass the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) or have a recognized postgraduate qualification, register with the General Dental Council (GDC), and secure the appropriate UK dentist visa, such as the Health and Care Worker visa.

The ORE Exam in the UK

As mentioned, the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) allows non-European trained dentists to qualify for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK. The ORE has two main parts. ORE Part 1 covers dental science and human disease. Practical exams in part 2 include a dental manikin, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and medical emergencies. To pass the ORE, candidates must achieve the required standard in each of the two parts of the exam.

The ORE is held twice a year, typically in the spring and autumn. The IELTS score for ORE exam is at least 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any of the components. Finally, the ORE exam pass rate is often below 50% since it is a challenging exam.

First, you need to create an account with the GDC to apply for the ORE. When registration periods open, you can access the ORE application form through this account. Make sure you prepare all the documents and information in advance since spaces for the exam are limited.

How Much Do Dentists Get Paid in the UK?

The dentist's salary in England can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, the type of practice, and whether they work in the NHS or private sector. These factors beg the question: Are dentists highly paid in the UK? Yes, dentists are considered highly paid, especially if they own their own practices or work for themselves.

• Dentist Starting Salary UK: It is typically around £31,000 to £45,000.
• Dentist Average Salary UK: It is approximately £68,000.
• BDS Salary in the UK: Starting salaries are around £31,000 to £45,000 in NHS roles.
• Private Dentist Salary UK: Often exceeds £140,000 annually.
• Salary of Dentist in UK per Month: On average, it is between £4,000 and £9,000 per month.

Dentist Jobs in the UK for Foreigners

• Orthodontist
• Periodontist
• Endodontist
• Pediatric Dentist
• Oral Surgeon

Can Overseas Dentists work as Dental Hygienists in the UK?

Yes, you, as an overseas dentist, can work as a dental hygienist in the UK. However, you must meet specific requirements. You need to have your dental qualifications recognized by the General Dental Council (GDC) if they are equivalent to British dental hygienist qualifications. Next, you must register with the GDC as a dental hygienist. This process might involve passing certain assessments or examinations to ensure your skills match UK standards for dental hygienists. In addition, you need to prove your proficiency in English, typically through tests like IELTS or OET.

Conclusion

The guidelines we outlined in this article can help you immigrate to the UK as a dentist. Start by gathering the necessary qualifications and passing language proficiency tests to secure the appropriate visa. Remember, the key to a successful transition is thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the necessary legal and professional requirements.

If you have any questions about immigrating to the Uk as a dentist, please write them in the comment section. You can also use our consultation services.

Dental students can come to the UK if they pass the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) or get a postgraduate qualification, get a job offer, and get their Health and Care Worker visa.

i think you meant 1,600 hours of required clinical experience

Yes. It was a typing mistake. Thank you.

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