eGDCDentists with EEA qualifications
The UK Government has enacted legislation that enables the GDC to continue recognising EEA-qualified dentists under a near-automatic system. These arrangements (sometimes referred to as standstill provisions) were reviewed by the UK Government in the first half of 2023 and extended for a period of five years. We do not know what arrangements will be in place after this period of time.
Recognised EEA qualifications are those listed in V.3. Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC. For applicants with a recognised EEA qualification, applications will be processed via a near-automatic recognition process. Your eligibility for having your dental qualification recognised under this process does not depend upon your nationality or country of residence.
If your dental qualification is not a recognised EEA qualification, you will need to apply as an applicant with an overseas qualification. To apply to the dentist register, you will need to complete the Overseas Registration Exam or the Licence in Dental Surgery.
Please note that there are different arrangements for Swiss nationals, and UK nationals settled in Switzerland and their spouses and dependents. Please read the Department of Health and Social Care guidance for further information on this and on the arrangements for EEA-qualified health and care professionals.
Our route to registration page guides applicants to the correct forms and information.
Dentists with temporary and occasional (T&O) registration
Since 1 January 2021, the GDC has no longer been able to register EEA-qualified dentists for T&O services.
Brexit
The GDC registration process changed following the UK's formal exit from the European Union (EU). Exit occurred on 31 January 2020, and the end of the transition period at 11pm GMT on 31 December 2020.
The rules for European Economic Area (EEA) qualified dentists and dental care professionals changed on 1 January 2021.
Further information
- If you were previously registered with the GDC, but are not now, we are unlikely to review your qualifications at the point of restoration to the register so you are unlikely to be affected by the changes. You do not need to take any further action until you make an application to rejoin the register.
- For further advice on obtaining the right to live and work in the UK, please consult the following pages on the gov.uk website, where you will find details on the New Immigration System, the EU Settlement Scheme, the Right to Reside, and obtaining a Health and Care Visa.
- Please note, the link to V.3. Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC is an excerpt from a full copy of Directive 2005/36/EC correct as of 11pm GMT 31 December 2020.