eGDCTypes of registrants
What do the terms on the online registers mean?
Dentist
A person who is qualified to treat diseases and other conditions that affect the teeth and gums, especially the repair and extraction of teeth and the insertion of artificial ones, that is registered with the GDC to work in the UK. Find out more information about dentists’ scope of practice.
Dental care professional (DCP)
A person qualified to practise certain aspects of dental care. The term dental care professional (DCP) covers a number of titles that are eligible for GDC registration. Each title has its own qualifications and scope of practice. Titles included under the umbrella term DCP are:
- Dental nurse.
- Dental technician.
- Dental therapist.
- Dental hygienist.
- Orthodontic therapist.
- Clinical dental technician.
Temporary registration for dentists
Temporary registration is available to dentists who hold a recognised overseas diploma in dentistry. This type of registration exists to allow overseas qualified dentists to:
- carry out research
- undertake a training programme at a UK university or in an NHS hospital
- undertake a programme at a UK NHS hospital or university.
Temporary registration is not granted to:
- cover staff shortages
- allow the applicant to work in primary care, private hospitals or dental practices
- provide service cover when existing full time members of staff are absent due to illness or are on leave.
Temporary registration does not lead to full registration, or exemption from the requirement to pass all, or parts, of the Overseas Registration Exam to gain full registration.