International dentists seeking to practice in the UK are expressing frustration over recent changes to the Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS) assessment and ongoing issues with booking the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), according to reports from dental professionals and regulatory bodies.
The LDS, administered by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has undergone modifications that some candidates say lack clarity and transparency. Meanwhile, the ORE, run by the General Dental Council (GDC), has faced criticism for limited booking slots and technical failures, leaving many qualified dentists unable to secure exam dates.
As of July 2026, the GDC has acknowledged the booking problems but has not provided a timeline for resolution. The British Dental Association has called for urgent reforms to streamline the registration process for overseas dentists, who are needed to address workforce shortages in the UK.
