Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) for dentists with non-UK qualifications seeking to register with the General Dental Council (GDC). It covers the exam's structure, cost, syllabus, application process, and other important considerations.
- The ORE consists of two parts: Part 1 (computer-based) and Part 2 (clinical).
- Candidates have a maximum of four attempts for each part.
- Application requires clinical references, certificates of current professional status, evidence of English proficiency, and certified copies of dental degrees and passports.
- Passing the ORE is a step towards GDC registration, which may then require a period of mentoring and completion of the PLBE for those wishing to work within the NHS.
Introduction to the ORE
The video introduces the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), explaining that it is designed for dentists holding non-UK primary dental qualifications not recognized as overseas or relevant European diplomas. Passing the ORE is a prerequisite for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
ORE Exam Costs and Timeframe
The ORE is divided into two parts, with Part 1 costing approximately £800 and Part 2 around £3,000. A resit of the medical emergency exam costs about £300. Candidates must complete Part 2 within five years of passing Part 1. Part 1 is administered by King's College London, while Part 2 is managed by a consortium group, with its four components held at different locations in London.
ORE Exam Structure and Syllabus
ORE Part 1 consists of two computer-based exams. Paper A covers clinically applied dental sciences and human disease, similar to pre-clinical dental education. Paper B focuses on clinical dentistry, including law, ethics, and health and safety. ORE Part 2 is a clinical exam with four components: an operative test on a dental mannequin, an OSCE, a diagnostic and treatment planning exercise, and a practical examination involving dental emergencies.
Components of ORE Part 2
The operative test requires candidates to perform three procedures in three hours, such as tooth preparation and restoration. The OSCE includes stations testing clinical skills like history taking, radiographic interpretation, consent, treatment planning, ethics, law, and clinical examination across various dental specialties. The diagnostic and treatment planning exercise involves a simulated patient case with medical history, photographs, radiographs, and study models, requiring deductive skills for diagnosis and treatment planning. The practical examination assesses proficiency in basic life support and CPR on a mannequin.
Preparation and Exemptions for the ORE
Candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in pre-clinical sciences and clinical skills. Unfortunately, there are no exemptions for candidates who have completed MFDS or other membership diplomas. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, but selection is not guaranteed due to a long waiting list.
Application Documents and Health Requirements
Required documents include a clinical reference, an original certificate of current professional status (no older than three months), evidence of English language proficiency (like IELTS), a certified copy of the primary dental degree, and a certified copy of a valid passport, along with a passport-size photograph. Health documents are not required for the exam itself, as it doesn't involve real patients, but will be needed for GDC registration upon passing the ORE.
Application Processing and Exam Booking
The GDC processes applications within about 30 days, and the entire ORE process can take six to twelve months if passed on the first attempt. However, Part 2 has a significant waiting list. The GDC doesn't allocate places, except for candidates nearing their five-year limit after passing Part 1. Candidates are notified by email and exams are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, with full payment required at the time of booking.
Appeals, Courses, and Visa Requirements
The GDC does not accept appeals against academic judgment. The Enamel Academy channel provides learning materials for the ORE. Candidates are responsible for obtaining a visa before paying for the exam, as fees may be lost if a visa is not secured.
Working Options and NHS Requirements
To practice in the UK, proper registration is essential. Temporary registration may be an option for supervised hospital posts, but demand is high. To work within the NHS after passing the ORE, a performance number is required, necessitating mentoring by an NHS dentist and completion of the PLBE, a year-long training program with specific competencies.
