How Syrian-qualified dentists can register with the GDC and restart their careers in the UK
Many Syrian dentists have sought to rebuild their careers in the UK, bringing with them excellent clinical training from Syrian universities. The GDC's Overseas Registration Examination is the pathway to practising dentistry here — and OREPass was built to make ORE Part 1 preparation as accessible and effective as possible, regardless of where you are in the world. We recognise that Syrian candidates may face additional challenges, and our platform is designed to support every step of your preparation.
Syrian dental degrees (DDS) are typically 5-year programmes from university faculties of dentistry. The Syrian Dental Association is the professional body. Due to the disruption caused by the conflict in Syria, the GDC has specific documentation guidance for candidates who cannot obtain standard verification documents — we recommend contacting the GDC directly to discuss your individual circumstances if you have difficulty obtaining certified transcripts or registration certificates.
Confirm your Syrian Dental Association / Syrian Ministry of Health 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.
The GDC has processes for dealing with candidates who face difficulties obtaining documentation. Contact the GDC's overseas registration team directly — they are experienced in supporting candidates from conflict-affected countries.
OREPass supports Syrian dentists through their GDC ORE Part 1 preparation — wherever they are. Our question bank, mock exams, AI Tutor and personalised study plan give you everything you need to pass — first time.
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Yes. A Syrian DDS from a recognised university qualifies you to apply for the GDC ORE pathway. If you have difficulty obtaining standard documentation, contact the GDC's overseas registration team — they have experience assisting candidates from Syria.
Typically: your dental degree certificate, transcript, and evidence of registration with the Syrian Dental Association. If original documents are unavailable due to conflict, contact the GDC to discuss alternative evidence. The GDC is experienced in supporting Syrian candidates.
Yes. Several organisations support overseas-trained healthcare professionals in the UK, including the BDA's refugee dentist support programme. The GDC's international registration team can also advise on your specific situation.
Yes. Syrian-qualified dentists must pass both parts to apply for GDC registration.
OREPass works on any internet-connected device, including mobile phones. If internet access is limited, we recommend downloading the practice sessions when connected. Contact us directly if you have specific access challenges — we want to support every candidate.
Syrian dental graduates from the country's universities — many now based in the UK or other countries — use OREPass to prepare for GDC ORE Part 1. Key institutions include:
Syria's oldest and most prestigious dental school. Damascus graduates have strong foundational training and are among the most experienced Syrian applicants for GDC registration.
Northern Syria's leading institution. Many Aleppo graduates are now based in the UK, Germany and other European countries and pursuing professional registration.
Central Syria institution with dental graduates distributed across the Syrian diaspora in the UK.
Coastal Syria institution with dental graduates pursuing registration across Europe including the UK.
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 Syrian candidates based in Manchester, Birmingham, London and Sheffield.
Learn about ORE Part 2 training at The Yardley Clinic →