Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the ORE Part 1 exam and the OREPass platform.

The ORE Part 1 Exam

What is the ORE Part 1 exam?

The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) Part 1 is a written examination set by the General Dental Council (GDC) for overseas-qualified dentists who wish to register and practise in the UK. It tests knowledge across 8 core clinical domains aligned with the GDC's requirements for safe dental practice.

What format is the ORE Part 1?

ORE Part 1 uses a Single Best Answer (SBA) format — each question has a clinical stem followed by five answer options, and you must select the single best answer. The exam typically contains 150 questions across two papers, with a time limit per paper. OREPass mock exams mirror this format with 40 timed questions.

Which topics does ORE Part 1 cover?

The GDC tests across 8 core domains: Head and Neck Anatomy, Physiology, General and Oral Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Human Disease, Dental Materials, and Radiology. OREPass covers all of these, plus additional clinical topics including restorative dentistry, periodontics, local anaesthesia, medical emergencies, treatment planning, and patient communication.

How long should I prepare for ORE Part 1?

Most candidates prepare for 8–12 weeks. Our data shows that candidates who complete at least 300 practice questions and 6+ mock exams have a significantly higher pass rate. With consistent daily practice of 45–60 minutes, most candidates are exam-ready within 10 weeks. The 3-month plan is designed specifically for this preparation window.

What is the pass mark for ORE Part 1?

The GDC does not publish a fixed pass mark — it uses a standard-setting process. Historically, candidates who consistently score 70–75%+ in their practice perform well. OREPass displays a 75% pass threshold line in your analytics as a reference, but always check current GDC guidance for official information.

Where can I find official GDC information about ORE?

All official information about the ORE exam, including eligibility, booking, and fees, is available directly from the GDC at www.gdc-uk.org. OREPass is an independent revision resource and is not affiliated with the GDC.

The OREPass Platform

What study modes does OREPass offer?

OREPass has three main study modes: Topic Practice — choose a specific topic and answer questions at your own pace with explanations after each one; Mock Exam — 40 questions, 60-minute timer, exam conditions, full results at the end; Spaced Repetition (SRS) — an algorithm serves questions based on your history, prioritising what you need to review most.

Can I use OREPass on my phone or tablet?

Yes. OREPass is fully responsive and works on any modern mobile browser (Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android). No app download required — just visit orepass.co.uk in your browser and log in. The interface adapts to all screen sizes.

Does OREPass work offline?

Currently, OREPass requires an internet connection to load questions and save your progress. We are exploring offline mode for a future release. For reliable access during commutes or travel, downloading questions for offline use isn't yet supported.

Are my bookmarks and notes saved between sessions?

Yes. All bookmarks, notes, quiz history, and analytics data are saved to your account and available on any device when you log in. Your progress is never lost between sessions.

What happens to my data if I cancel?

Your account and all data (progress, bookmarks, analytics) is retained for 12 months after cancellation. If you resubscribe within that period, everything is exactly as you left it. After 12 months of inactivity, accounts may be deleted in line with our privacy policy.

Question Bank

How many questions are in the bank?

OREPass currently has 7,000+ questions across all 15 topic areas. We add new questions regularly — the bank is growing continuously. All subscribers get access to new questions automatically at no extra charge.

Are the questions written for the current ORE syllabus?

Yes. All questions are written in the GDC SBA format and aligned with the current ORE Part 1 syllabus. Questions are reviewed periodically and updated if the exam content changes. We do not use questions from other exams (USMLE, MRCGP, etc.) — all content is ORE-specific.

Do I see the same questions every time I practice?

No. OREPass uses an unseen-first algorithm — when you re-attempt a topic or mock, questions you have never seen are served first, then questions you've seen least often. This means you're constantly exposed to fresh material and aren't simply memorising the same questions.

Do questions include explanations?

Yes, every single question has a detailed explanation covering why the correct answer is right and why the distractor options are wrong. Explanations include clinical context, mechanism of action, or anatomical rationale as appropriate. This is one of the most important parts of effective SBA revision.

Analytics & Progress Tracking

What analytics does OREPass provide?

Your analytics dashboard includes: a radar chart showing accuracy across all topics, a mock score trend line showing progression over time, a topic accuracy breakdown ranked from weakest to strongest, a mock exam history table with scores and times, and a daily study streak tracker. These update automatically after every session.

How does the spaced repetition system work?

Every question you answer is tracked. Based on whether you got it right or wrong (and how many times), the algorithm calculates when you should next see that question. Questions you find difficult are shown more frequently; questions you know well are spaced further out. This is based on the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve — the same method used in medical flashcard apps like Anki.

Can I see how I compare to other candidates?

Yes — the 3-month plan includes a percentile rank badge that shows where your mock scores sit relative to other OREPass candidates. This gives you a realistic benchmark before your exam.

Subscription & Billing

Is the 7-day trial really free?

Yes — completely free. No credit card required. You get full access to the entire platform for 7 days. After the trial, your account is paused and you're invited to choose a plan. You will never be charged without explicitly entering your card details.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Log in, go to Account Settings, and click "Cancel Subscription." Your access continues until the end of your current paid period. No cancellation fees, no forms to fill in, no phone calls required.

Can I get a refund?

If you have an issue with your subscription or feel you were charged in error, email hello@orepass.co.uk and we'll resolve it promptly. We handle refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit and debit cards are accepted through Stripe: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported on supported devices and browsers.

Technical Support

I forgot my password. How do I reset it?

On the login page, click "Forgot password?" and enter your email address. You'll receive a password reset link valid for 1 hour. If the email doesn't arrive within a few minutes, check your spam folder or email hello@orepass.co.uk.

I haven't received my verification email. What should I do?

First, check your spam or junk folder. The email comes from hello@orepass.co.uk. If you can't find it after a few minutes, email us at hello@orepass.co.uk from your registered address and we'll verify your account manually.

Which browsers are supported?

OREPass works on all modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera. We recommend keeping your browser up to date for the best experience. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Something isn't working. How do I get help?

Email hello@orepass.co.uk with a description of the problem, your browser and device, and if possible a screenshot. We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays.

Still have a question?

We're happy to help. Drop us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

hello@orepass.co.uk

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