Can I work as a dental nurse without GDC registration?
- published / updated on:
The short answer is yes, you can!
In the UK, the GDC keeps a register of dental professionals, which includes Dental Nurses, Hygienists and Therapists. Before registering with the GDC, you can be employed as a Trainee Dental Nurse, which is defined as someone who is enrolled on a programme which leads directly to GDC registration. This means that you can be employed whilst studying for the ORE or LDS exams.
Can I work as a Dental Nurse while studying for the ORE/ LDS exams?
Overseas Dentist can work as Dental Nurse in the UK while preparing for ORE/ LDS exams
Overseas Dentists can work in the UK as a Dental Nurse while preparing for ORE/ LDS and waiting for Dental Hygienist/ Therapist registration (if already applied on or before March 2023).
Similarly, if you are an overseas qualified Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist or Dental Technician, you can begin your dental career in the UK by working as a trainee Dental Nurse.
However, the most important thing to note is that – to work as a trainee dental nurse, you must enroll onto an accredited dental nursing course which leads towards the academic NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing, CACHE Dental Nurse Diploma or the City and Guilds Dental Nursing Diploma. These courses typically take 1 year to complete, and if you choose to follow them through you will gain GDC registration as a dental nurse, after completion.
Please be clear that, you do not need to complete the course to work as a trainee Dental Nurse, but you must be enrolled.
Working as a trainee dental nurse or dental nurse while waiting to receive GDC registration for another profession (as a hygienist/ therapist/ dentist) is a great way to bridge the gap, and can help you to understand the UK dental industry and NHS system.
Dental Work Experience as Dental Nurse while preparing for ORE / LDS
The experience gained during working as a Trainee Dental Nurse or a Dental Nurse will be invaluable for anyone trying to pass the ORE or LDS exams. Specifically during the Part 2 phase of ORE and LDS or Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) you will be in a much better position due to clinical experience and the knowledge of NHS rules and regulations, and complaints handling procedures and dental software etc.
Dental Work Experience as Dental Nurse for overseas qualified Hygienists/ Therapists
Dental work experience as a Dental Nurse offers overseas-qualified Dental Hygienists, Therapists or Technicians the opportunity to gain practical experience within the UK dental system. This role helps in understanding UK-specific protocols, patient care standards, and workplace practices, which can be essential for furthering their dental careers in the country.
Affordable Dental Nursing Course
UK.Dental Nurse Course offers the most affordable dental nursing course in the UK.
To start the course, you pay a joining fee of £85 and the monthly instalment payment is £85 only!
There are several overseas qualified dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists in our dental nurse training course.
