How a Refugee Dentist Can Work in the UK
Overseas-qualified dentists can register with the General Dental Council (GDC) by passing the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE). You pass ORE Part 1 (£485) and ORE Part 2 (£6,967, VAT now applies), pay an application processing fee (£115), then an annual retention fee (£698). Refugees get priority ORE booking and free British Dental Association membership.
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ORE Part 2 is one of the most expensive reaccreditation exams in the UK, so funding is important. Booking is now managed through the MyGDC portal, and refugees can access priority booking with up to two attempts per part with evidence. RefuAid offers interest-free loans to cover the cost.
Key facts (June 2026)
- ORE Part 1 £485, ORE Part 2 £6,967 (VAT applies), application processing £115, annual retention £698 — verified June 2026.
- English requirement: IELTS 7.0 overall or OET Grade B.
- Refugees get priority ORE booking (around two weeks' early access) plus free BDA membership.
Steps for a refugee dentist to register with the GDC
- Confirm your right to work. Refugee status and humanitarian protection give full work rights. Confirm your status before booking the ORE.
- Take your English test. Pass IELTS 7.0 overall or OET Grade B before applying for the ORE.
- Register on MyGDC and book ORE Part 1. Create a MyGDC account and book ORE Part 1 (£485), a written exam of dental knowledge.
- Book and pass ORE Part 2. ORE Part 2 (£6,967 including VAT) is a practical clinical exam taken in the UK. Refugees can request priority booking with evidence.
- Apply for GDC registration. Pay the application processing fee (£115) and the annual retention fee (£698) to join the dental register.
Refugee dentist support and funding
- GDC: priority ORE booking and up to two attempts per part with evidence for refugees.
- Free British Dental Association (BDA) membership and BDA Benevolent Fund assistance.
- RefuAid: interest-free loans, important given the high ORE Part 2 cost.
Frequently asked questions
How can a refugee dentist work in the UK?
By passing ORE Part 1 and Part 2, meeting the English requirement, and registering with the GDC. Refugees receive priority ORE booking and free BDA membership, and RefuAid provides interest-free loans.
How much does the ORE cost in 2026?
ORE Part 1 is £485 and ORE Part 2 is £6,967 (VAT now applies), plus a £115 application processing fee and a £698 annual retention fee.
How do refugees get help with the high ORE cost?
RefuAid offers interest-free loans to cover the ORE, and the BDA Benevolent Fund can provide additional assistance to dentists in financial hardship.
Official sources
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