New BDA Membership and Events for Overseas-Qualified Dentists
The BDA has launched the Essential Affiliate membership to help and support dentists qualified outside the UK.
The BDA has launched the Essential Affiliate membership to help and support dentists qualified outside the UK. The journey to UK registration is complex, which is why the trade union is offering meaningful and tailored information to help.
Did you qualify outside of the UK?
You’re not alone. Currently 31% of registered dentists were qualified outside the UK. The BDA understands the unique challenges that you face:
- Preparing for the ORE or LDS examinations
- Navigating the GDC registration process
- Building confidence in understanding the UK clinical, legal and cultural expectations.
- Establishing a clear career pathway in an unfamiliar system.
The BDA’s Essential Affiliate membership is designed to provide a dedicated support package including advice, accessible learning and a sense of belonging.
“The BDA acknowledges the value that our overseas-qualified colleagues bring to the profession, and we recognise the experience and contributions that you bring. It takes much ambition and courage to move to this country from your own.
The route to working in the UK is complex and varied and not without its difficulties. For example, availability of the exam and the way in which places for the exam are allocated is an issue for the vast majority of applicants, and we continue to argue for improvements in the GDC’s processes around this.”
What does membership include?
BDA’s Essential Affiliate membership includes:
- Clear practical advice on GDC registration requirements.
- Educational resources for the ORE/LDS examination requirements.
- Guidance on NHS frameworks, employment options and patient expectations.
- Support with professional standards including indemnity and CPD.
- Access to our CPD hub with over 270 hours of online learning.
Events for Dentists starting out
The BDA has also launched a free lecture series entitled ‘Starting out in the UK’. This lecture series is aimed specifically at dentists who qualified overseas and are now practising or preparing to practise in the UK.
These will run monthly until April 2026 and will be held in the evening. They are free to Affiliate members and offer verifiable CPD, alongside networking with peers, BDA advisors and expert speakers.
How much does Affiliate Membership for Overseas-Qualified Dentists cost?
Membership is available through a gradual pricing model starting from £2.98 per month in your first year. The BDA has designed the membership to be affordable so while you embark on these complex processes you have access to information that will support you.
The BDA Extra Essential Affiliate membership is also available which offers one-to-one support. The BDA will provide realistic advice on the systems which vary in all four countries and the opportunities and potential barriers you will have to navigate as part of the process whether in primary or secondary care.
Once registered, the BDA will support you with the next steps: understanding your contracts, working in the NHS and private practice, the regulations that you need to understand, and much more.
The BDA exists to ensure that every member feels supported, no matter where they started their journey. So whether you are preparing for exams, considering your first job or are simply just exploring what dentistry looks like in the UK, you have support.
Find out more about the membership and events available specifically for overseas-qualified dentists on the BDA website
Recruitment support for GDC registered dentists
We’re here to help GDC registered dentists find their perfect role. Register with us and ensure your profile is up to date, and we’ll match you to suitable jobs and dental practices. You can also update your details by chatting to one of our recruitment specialists by phone, text or email. You can get in touch here
