The overseas registration and LDS examinations
As an overseas (non-EEA) qualified dentist you need to pass either the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) or the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) RCS England examination to hold a full registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Overseas Registration Examination (ORE)
The ORE is in two parts and is organised by the GDC.
You need to contact the GDC to find out if you are eligible to sit this examination because there is a requirement to demonstrate that you have at least 1600 hours of dental clinical experience of treating patients.
Success in the ORE or LDS exam does not mean you will automatically secure a job in dentistry in the UK.
For more details on the ORE, visit the GDC website. For any ORE examination queries, please contact the GDC exams team using this link.
For information on ORE support courses, please visit the courses section.
Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS)
TheLDSis the oldest continuously existing dental qualification in the UK, awarded by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. It comprises three parts. Passing this examination also entitles you to full registration with the GDC.
Overseas Registration Examination (ORE)
ORE Part 1
The purpose of the ORE Part 1 exam is to assess the knowledge and clinical understanding of overseas dentists who wish to practice in the UK. Administered by the General Dental Council (GDC).
ORE Part 2
The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) Part 2 is designed for candidates to demonstrate practical clinical skills. All questions in Part 2 are mapped to the learning outcomes for a UK dentist.
Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS)
LDS Part 1
Part 1 of the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) is comprised of two papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. Both Part 1 papers must be passed at one sitting for candidates to progress to Part 2.
LDS Part 2 and 3
The Part 2 exam of the LDS will be held over a two day period and consists of two sections and The Part 3 exam of the LDS is held over a one day period and consists of one section: