Internationally qualified dentists outnumber UK-qualified dentists joining GDC register

Internationally qualified dentists joined the UK’s dental register in greater numbers than UK‑qualified dentists for the first time, according to the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Registration Statistical Report for 2025. The regulator said the shift reflects a workforce that is “growing and changing” as overall registration numbers continue to rise.

The total number of dental professionals on the register increased by 4.7% to 131,680 by the end of 2025. Dentist numbers rose to 47,916 (up 3.4%), while dental care professionals (DCPs) reached 83,764 (up 5.5%).

More than half of new dentist registrants — 53% — qualified overseas, marking the first time internationally trained dentists have formed the majority. UK‑qualified dentists accounted for 47%.

Dental nurses remain the largest group on the register, increasing to 68,472, with women making up 96% of new registrants. Dental therapists saw the fastest growth, rising 21% to 8,661, followed by dental hygienists, up 11% to 11,292. A significant proportion of new therapists and hygienists were internationally qualified dentists joining under DCP titles — a route that has now closed.

The number of dental technicians continued its long-term decline, falling below 5,000 for the first time, with only 143 joining the register in 2025.

The GDC processed 12,654 registration applications last year and met or exceeded its timeliness targets for UK and specialist routes. The workforce remains predominantly female, with women accounting for 78% of all registrants. Among dentists, 31% identified as Asian or Asian British — three times the proportion in the UK population.

Theresa Thorp, the GDC’s Executive Director of Regulation, said the findings provide “important insights into the dental workforce” and reaffirm the regulator’s commitment to supporting a diverse and accessible profession as part of its Trusted and Effective strategy for 2026–2028.

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