Because the Part 2 exam takes place in a clinical setting, the regulator has previously highlighted that enhanced Covid-19 restrictions over and above those in place for broader society meant resumption of the ORE has not been viable until recently. A Part 2 exam was successfully run in January this year, but the recent announcement marks an important milestone in the recovery of international routes to registration.

Gurvinder Soomal, GDC chief operating officer, said, “The suspension of the exams due to covid restrictions - for almost two years - represents a long and frustrating period of uncertainty for candidates. I am grateful to GDC colleagues and our exam providers for their hard work in getting us to this point, but we know there are many candidates waiting to sit the ORE. Publishing the schedule and starting to book candidates on exams now are therefore vital steps forward in reopening routes for overseas qualified dentists to be able to come and work here in the UK.”

Earlier this month, the regulator welcomed the government’s proposals to amend the restrictive legislation which governs international routes to registration with the GDC. One aim of the proposals is to address long-standing capacity issues with the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) which have been exacerbated by Covid-19.

The proposed changes in law are the first step in removing these issues. The GDC believes they will ensure a proportionate, clear and robust route to registration for those who have qualified outside the UK.

The government is consulting on the proposals until Friday May 6, 2022.