Registration with the General Dental Council

All dentists who work in the UK are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Details and requirements of eligibility for registration must be obtained direct from the GDC. A summary of the different types of registration is provided below. Registration is either full or temporary.

Full registration

Allows a dentist to practise dentistry in the UK, providing the dentist has the correct visa/immigration status. Having full registration does not entitle you to a job in the UK, and does not entitle you to work as a performer in NHS general practice.

Temporary registration

Allows a dentist to practise dentistry only in selected supervised posts for training, teaching or research purposes. The maximum length of time you can have temporary registration is limited to approximately five years. Temporary registration is granted for a minimum period of six months.

You can only obtain temporary registration following confirmation of appointment to a suitable training, teaching or research post. You can only work in general or private practice or in community dental service on full registration.

You will need to fulfil the criteria for either type of GDC registration. You can find full information on the registration page of the GDC website.

Specialist lists

The GDC exclusively maintains the UK register for the different dental specialties. It is also responsible for ensuring that standards of education and training are maintained.

The GDC website provides more information regarding eligibility and the application process for addition to the GDC’s Specialist Register.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a medical specialty and requires dual registration both with the GMC and GDC.