Your complete guide to the ORE — from PMDC qualification to UK practice
Pakistan produces some of the world's most talented dentists, and the UK is home to one of the largest Pakistani dental communities outside South Asia. If you hold a BDS from a PMDC-recognised institution and want to practise dentistry in the UK, you must first pass the GDC's Overseas Registration Examination (ORE). This guide explains exactly what that means — and how OREPass gives you the best possible preparation for ORE Part 1.
The PMDC (Pakistan Medical and Dental Council) is the regulatory authority for dental education in Pakistan. PMDC-accredited BDS programmes are typically 4 years plus a one-year mandatory house job (internship). The GDC recognises PMDC qualifications as requiring the full ORE pathway — meaning you must pass both Part 1 (written MCQ) and Part 2 (clinical OSCE) before you can apply for GDC registration.
Confirm your Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) degree meets the GDC's eligibility criteria to sit the ORE. You can check eligibility on the GDC website or contact their international registration team.
Apply to sit ORE Part 1 through the GDC website. The exam is held twice yearly — typically March and September. Application windows open several months before the exam date.
Start your OREPass free trial and work through the 7,000+ question bank. Use the mock exams to simulate exam conditions and track your performance by domain.
Sit your Part 1 at a Pearson VUE centre in the UK. Pass mark is 70%. Results are typically available within a few weeks.
Prepare for the Part 2 OSCE clinical exam. The Yardley Clinic in Birmingham — our official partner practice — provides structured ORE Part 2 training.
Once you have passed both parts, you can apply for full GDC registration as a dentist and begin practising in the UK.
Most Pakistani dentists complete Part 1 preparation in 3–6 months of dedicated study. OREPass users who complete at least 300 practice questions before their exam date report significantly higher pass rates.
Thousands of Pakistani-trained dentists in the UK and abroad use OREPass to prepare for ORE Part 1. Our question bank, mock exams, AI Tutor and personalised study plan give you everything you need to pass — first time.
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A PMDC-accredited BDS qualifies you to sit the GDC ORE. You must pass both Part 1 (written MCQ) and Part 2 (clinical OSCE) to apply for full GDC registration. The GDC does not recognise PMDC qualifications for direct registration without the ORE.
Yes. Pakistani-qualified dentists must pass both parts. Part 1 is a 200-question MCQ exam covering 8 dental science domains. Part 2 is a clinical OSCE with 9 station types. Both must be passed before you can register with the GDC.
Yes — OREPass is entirely online and accessible from anywhere in the world. Many candidates begin their Part 1 preparation months before arriving in the UK. You can study on your phone, tablet, or computer from Pakistan.
Most candidates take 3–6 months to prepare for Part 1, then sit Part 2 after passing. The full process from beginning preparation to GDC registration typically takes 9–18 months, depending on how frequently the exams are scheduled and how quickly you progress.
The exam is the same for all candidates regardless of country. However, the clinical and communication components of Part 2 test UK-specific protocols, which can be unfamiliar. OREPass covers the core Part 1 knowledge, and The Yardley Clinic (our official partner practice in Birmingham) provides Part 2 clinical training.
OREPass is used by graduates from across Pakistan's leading dental institutions. If you trained at one of these universities, you're in good company:
One of Pakistan's most prestigious institutions, AKU graduates are well-regarded internationally. AKU's BDS programme is highly competitive and produces strong candidates for the GDC ORE.
One of the largest dental schools in Pakistan, DUHS graduates make up a significant portion of Pakistani dentists seeking GDC registration.
A historic institution with a strong reputation. KEMU-affiliated dental graduates frequently pursue GDC registration via the ORE pathway.
UHS affiliates multiple dental colleges across Punjab. Graduates of UHS-affiliated institutions form one of the largest groups of Pakistani overseas dentists in the UK.
KMU dental graduates from KPK are increasingly pursuing GDC registration, with Birmingham and Manchester being common destinations.
A leading dental institution in Karachi producing GDC ORE candidates annually.
Sindh-based institution with strong clinical training — graduates commonly pursue UK registration.
Capital-based institution with growing numbers of graduates seeking GDC registration.
Well-established dental programme with graduates across the UK Pakistani dental community.
Military institution with strong academic standards — graduates frequently sit the GDC ORE.
Produces strong BDS graduates with significant numbers pursuing UK practice.
Lahore-based institution with consistent numbers of GDC ORE applicants.
These universities are listed for informational purposes. OREPass is an independent platform not affiliated with or endorsed by any of these institutions.
For ORE Part 2 clinical training, The Yardley Clinic in Birmingham is our official partner practice. They offer hands-on mannequin sessions, live patient shadowing, mock OSCE and expert feedback — all delivered by GDC-registered trainers. The clinic is popular with Pakistani candidates based in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester and London.
Learn about ORE Part 2 training at The Yardley Clinic →