GDC Approves a New Approach for Overseas Dentists to Practice in the UK

The General Dental Council (GDC) has recently given its seal of approval to a dental degree designed to provide practical training for overseas students within primary care practice. The University of Central Lancashire’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery International (BDSi) route stands out for its innovative approach in preparing overseas-qualified dentists for practice and registration in the UK. The BDSi program, offered by the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, has been recognized by the GDC for its proficiency in ensuring graduates meet the stringent standards required to provide dental care. This comes at a critical time when the dental industry in the UK is grappling with workforce recruitment challenges.

A New Educational Approach

The BDSi program is an 18-month course that allows overseas qualified dentists to join the University’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery course after completing Year Three. During this period, they engage in practical and clinical training at Enhanced Training Practices across the UK and utilize state-of-the-art facilities at Preston Campus' phantom head labs. This approach contrasts sharply with other routes to UK dental registration, which typically rely solely on competency exams. By integrating hands-on experience within primary care practices, BDSi ensures that students not only reach but exceed the required standards before qualifying. Anna Barlach Pritchard, the course leader who developed this innovative program, emphasized its significance: “The UK struggles to recruit and retain dentists, and large parts of our communities cannot access a general dental appointment funded by the NHS. This course has been designed to address this issue by providing qualified registrants with a supportive route to practice dentistry in the UK.”

Addressing Workforce Shortages

One of the most pressing issues facing the UK's dental sector is workforce shortages. Many regions struggle to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of dentists, leaving numerous communities without access to essential dental services funded by the NHS. By working closely with primary care practices across various regions, BDSi aims not just to train but also strategically place dentists where they are needed most. This initiative could play a pivotal role in alleviating regional disparities in access to dental care. Pritchard further elaborated: “There are significant differences in dentistry training around the world and not all meet GDC standards. By taking qualified overseas dentists and placing them into primary care practices in the UK, we can closely monitor each student’s progress and assess that they meet required standards before they qualify.” Feedback from graduates of the BDSi programme has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have reported feeling well-supported during their transition into UK practice—a process that can be vastly different from their previous work environments abroad. Upon completing their course, these newly trained dentists can apply for GDC registration and begin working immediately in areas experiencing acute shortages—whether it be general practice or hospital services. Pritchard noted: “When they complete the course, these dentists are then able to apply for GDC registration and can work where there is a real need for more practitioners both in general practice or hospital services.” In approving UCLan's Bachelor of Dental Surgery International route, The General Dental Council has endorsed an educational model poised to make significant strides toward resolving dentist shortages across many underserved regions of England. By combining rigorous academic standards with practical experience within primary care settings—this unique program ensures that overseas-trained professionals are fully equipped—and ready—to serve communities desperately needing quality dental care. For more information about this pioneering degree program visit the course webpage.