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<p><strong> </strong></p><p>On 22 February 2022, the General Dental Council (GDC)
announced the full resumption of the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) following its
suspension in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDC has published its 2022
sittings schedule for both components of the exam.</p><p>The capacity of the ORE is
constrained by rules within the GDC’s legislative framework. The Department has consulted
on proposals to amend this legislation to allow the GDC greater flexibility on alternative
routes to registration for international applicants. The consultation closed on 6
May 2022 and the responses are currently being analysed. Subject to the outcome of
the consultation and Parliamentary approval, we aim to introduce the legislative changes
in autumn 2022. As an independent regulator, the GDC will determine how this increased
flexibility could be applied, including the appropriate way to assess overseas qualifications.</p><p>Automatic
recognition arrangements are in place for relevant dental qualifications obtained
in the European Economic Area and Switzerland for a period of 24 months from the end
of the transition period or 48 months for Swiss qualifications. The Secretary of State
for Health and Social Care is required to undertake a statutory review of these arrangements
after the 24-month period. This review will be conducted at the start of 2023. However,
automatic recognition of qualifications will continue until further legislation is
introduced to amend or end these arrangements.</p><p> </p>
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