GDC ORE

Overview

The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) is run for the General Dental Council (GDC), the UK dental regulator. It tests whether a dentist trained outside the UK can practise to UK standards. It has two parts: Part 1 tests how knowledge is applied to clinical practice, and Part 2 tests practical clinical skills. Passing it is a step towards GDC registration, not registration itself.

Who can apply

Most dentists whose primary dental qualification was not gained in the UK or EEA must pass the ORE before applying for GDC registration. The GDC states there are no exemptions for holders of the MFDS or other membership diplomas.

Exam pattern

Part 1

Part 1 is taken on computer and has two papers. Each lasts three hours and uses extended matching and single best answer questions.

Both papers must be passed to move on to Part 2. The 2026 sittings are held at venues in London.

Part 2

Part 2 is a practical examination with four components.

Part 2 is held at the UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London.

Syllabus

Part 1 covers anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, dental anatomy and embryology, dental materials, immunology, pathology and human disease, pharmacology, physiology and statistics. Part 2 OSCE stations may include behavioural sciences, human disease, law, ethics and professionalism, and clinical areas including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, preventive dentistry, dental public health, oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral microbiology, and dental radiology and imaging.

Marking and results

For Part 1, results are emailed within 30 working days. For Part 2, results are emailed within 20 working days.

Candidates get up to four attempts at each part. Anyone who fails a part four times cannot sit it again. Part 2 must be passed within five years of first attempting Part 1.

Important dates

For 2026/27, the GDC has announced these sittings.

The GDC's booking page showed the October 2026 Part 1 and September 2026 Part 2 sittings as fully booked.

Fees

For 2026/27, the GDC lists these fees, which include VAT:

If you fail only the medical emergencies component of Part 2, you can retake that component alone at a later Part 2 sitting, for £686.

Exam fees are not normally refundable.

How to apply

Candidates apply to the GDC and book exam places through their MyGDC account. Demand is very high, and the GDC has reported that places have filled within 30 minutes of a booking window opening. Refugee candidates can request priority access for up to two attempts at each part.

After the exam

Passing results come by email with instructions on applying for registration. The GDC states there is no time limit for applying for registration after passing the ORE.

Preparation tips

• Book as soon as a window opens, because places go quickly.

• Plan Part 1 revision around the two papers: basic and clinical science for Paper A, clinical dentistry and professional topics for Paper B.

• Practise manikin work under timed conditions for Part 2.

• Keep the five-year limit in mind when scheduling Part 2 after your first Part 1 attempt.