GDC announces alternative evidence policy to support refugee and displaced dental professionals

The General Dental Council (GDC) has unveiled a new policy designed to remove barriers for refugee and displaced dental professionals seeking registration in the UK. The initiative allows applicants to submit alternative forms of evidence where standard documentation—such as qualification certificates, letters of good standing, or identity documents—cannot be obtained due to circumstances beyond their control.

The policy applies to dentists with international qualifications pursuing exam-based routes to join the register, as well as dental care professionals undergoing assessment of overseas qualifications. Recognising the challenges faced by those fleeing conflict zones or political instability, the GDC will now consider alternative evidence on a case-by-case basis. Examples include UK-issued refugee status documents, e-visas, affidavits or character declarations from employers or registrants, and letters from education institutions confirming completion of training.

This builds on reforms introduced in January 2025, which granted refugee dental professionals priority access to the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE). Since then, 167 candidates have benefitted from priority booking across six exam sittings, with the majority of places still available to other applicants. Most recently, 44 refugee candidates secured priority access to the January 2026 Part 1 exam, while 93% of the 600 places remained open to general booking.

The announcement has significant implications for fitness to practise. By enabling displaced professionals to demonstrate competence through alternative evidence, the GDC is ensuring that qualified individuals are not excluded from the profession due to administrative barriers. At the same time, the regulator maintains its duty to protect patients by requiring robust, verifiable evidence of training and professional standing.

Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director of Strategy at the GDC, commented:

“We’re committed to being an inclusive and equitable regulator. We recognise that refugees and displaced dental professionals face unique challenges in providing standard documentation to join our registers through no fault of their own, and we’re working to reduce the disproportionate difficulties that these applicants experience.”

The policy applies to individuals granted international protection by the Home Office, including those with refugee status, humanitarian protection, and resettlement under Afghan and Ukrainian schemes. Other displaced applicants will be considered individually, reflecting the GDC’s commitment to fairness and proportionality.

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