Pakistan produces over 12,000 dental graduates each year from PMDC-accredited institutions — and a significant number choose to build their careers in the UK. With one of the largest Pakistani communities in the world outside South Asia, British cities like Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester are home to thousands of Pakistani-trained healthcare professionals.

If you hold a PMDC-accredited BDS and want to practise as a dentist in the UK, this guide walks you through every step of the GDC registration process — from eligibility to examination to registration.

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility to Sit the GDC ORE

Before you do anything else, confirm your PMDC-accredited BDS qualifies you to sit the GDC ORE. The GDC has an eligibility checker on its website. You will need:

  • Your dental degree certificate (BDS)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of current PMDC registration
  • Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, or OET Grade B)

Important: English language proficiency is tested separately from the ORE. You must meet the GDC's English requirement before your application will be processed. IELTS Academic (not General Training) is the most commonly used route.

Step 2 — Apply to Sit ORE Part 1

ORE Part 1 applications are made directly through the GDC. The exam is held twice per year — typically March and September — and applications close several months before each sitting. Check the GDC website for the current application window for your target sitting.

The application fee must be paid at the time of application. If your application is successful, the GDC will confirm your registration and you will book your actual exam slot through Pearson VUE.

Step 3 — Prepare Thoroughly for ORE Part 1

Most Pakistani dental graduates need 3–6 months of structured preparation. The ORE Part 1 is 200 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions across 8 domains. The pass mark is 70% — meaning you need to answer 140 or more questions correctly.

The 8 domains are:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathology & Microbiology
  • Human Disease
  • Dental Materials
  • Radiology
  • Clinical Dentistry & Treatment Planning
  • Patient Communication & Behavioural Sciences

High-yield areas for Pakistani candidates: Based on OREPass candidate analytics, dentists from Pakistan most frequently lose marks in UK radiation regulations (IR(ME)R 2017), infection control (HTM 01-05), the GDC Standards for the Dental Team, and UK prescribing law. These topics differ significantly from Pakistani practice and deserve focused attention in your preparation.

How OREPass Helps Pakistani Dental Graduates

OREPass is purpose-built for GDC ORE Part 1 preparation. Every question is written specifically for the GDC exam — not repurposed from another country's licensing exam or textbook MCQ collection. Key features for Pakistani candidates:

  • 7,000+ SBA questions across all 8 ORE domains
  • UK-specific content: radiation law, HTM 01-05, GDC Standards, consent (Montgomery ruling), prescribing frameworks
  • AI Study Tutor that explains concepts in plain English
  • Predicted pass score so you know if you're ready before exam day
  • Fully online — study from Pakistan or the UK on mobile or desktop
  • 7-day free trial with no card required

Start your OREPass free trial

7 days free, then £25/month. No card required to start. Available from Pakistan and the UK.

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Step 4 — Pass ORE Part 1 and Move to Part 2

ORE Part 1 results are typically released within a few weeks of the exam date. If you pass (70%+), you can then proceed to apply for ORE Part 2.

If you don't pass first time: Many candidates require more than one attempt — this is normal and nothing to be discouraged by. OREPass analytics will show you exactly which domains brought your score down, allowing you to target your revision precisely for a second attempt.

Step 5 — Prepare for and Pass ORE Part 2

ORE Part 2 is a clinical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) covering 9 station types. Unlike Part 1, this cannot be prepared for entirely online — you need hands-on clinical training in a UK dental setting.

OREPass's official partner practice, The Yardley Clinic in Birmingham, provides dedicated ORE Part 2 training. Birmingham is the UK city with the largest Pakistani community, making it a natural choice for Pakistani candidates. The training programme covers all 9 OSCE station types, with mannequin practice, live patient observation and mock OSCE under exam conditions.

Step 6 — Apply for GDC Registration

Once both parts are passed, you apply to the GDC for full registration as a dentist. You will need your ORE pass certificates, your PMDC registration certificate, English language evidence, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Processing time varies, but is typically several weeks to a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions — Pakistani Dentists and the GDC ORE

Can I work as a dentist in the UK while preparing for the ORE?

You cannot practise as a dentist without GDC registration. However, you may be able to work as a dental care professional (such as a dental nurse) or in a non-clinical role in a dental practice while you prepare. Some candidates shadow GDC-registered dentists as part of their Part 2 preparation — this is both educationally valuable and allowed.

How much does the GDC ORE cost in total?

The GDC charges separate application fees for Part 1 and Part 2, plus the GDC registration fee once you pass. In addition, preparation costs (such as OREPass, clinical training and course materials) should be budgeted for. Check the GDC website for current fee schedules as these are updated periodically.

Is there a time limit between passing Part 1 and sitting Part 2?

Yes — there is a time limit on how long Part 1 pass results remain valid for the purposes of Part 2 eligibility. Check the current rules on the GDC website, as these are subject to change. It is advisable to proceed to Part 2 preparation promptly after passing Part 1.