International dentists outnumber UK-qualifiers on GDC register for first time
UK dentistry now depends on international recruitment more than ever: understand the workforce trends affecting hiring and retention.
More than half of dentists who joined the General Dental Council register in 2025 were internationally qualified, marking the first time overseas-trained dentists have outnumbered UK-qualified registrants. This shift reflects growing reliance on international recruitment to sustain the UK dental workforce.
Overseas Registration Exam to expand significantly
The GDC is undertaking major reforms to the Overseas Registration Exam under a new contract with UCL Consultants. Capacity and fees are rising, with the regulator expecting up to 1,500 successful candidates annually once fully scaled. This represents a substantial increase from the 10.1% of new dentists who joined via this route in 2025. Of the 53% of new dentists who were internationally qualified, 18.7% were from the European Economic Area, 10.1% joined via the Overseas Registration Exam, 3.2% were rest-of-world qualified, and 2.1% joined via the Licence in Dental Surgery examination.
Dental workforce composition shifts
The 2025 Registration Statistical Report showed the UK dental register grew by 4.7% to 131,680 professionals. Dentists increased by 3.4% to 47,916, while dental care professionals rose by 5.5% to 83,764. Dental nurses now make up more than half the profession, with 96% of new nurses being female. Dental therapists grew fastest at 21% to 8,661 registrants, though this growth partly reflects international dentists joining under a lower title on a route that has since closed. Dental hygienists increased by 11% to 11,292. Conversely, dental technicians declined for the sixth consecutive year, with only 143 joining in 2025 and total numbers falling below 5,000 for the first time. Among all dental professionals, 78% identify as female, including 54% of dentists and 92% of dental care professionals.
Changes in removals and retention
Removals from the register totalled 1,069 dentists in 2025, a 16% decrease from 2024. Voluntary removal accounted for 38.2% of cases, non-payment of annual retention fees for 32.5%, retirement for 20.9%, failure to meet continuing professional development for 4.2%, death for 2.3%, and failure to meet indemnity requirements for 1.2%. Among dental care professionals, non-payment was significantly more common at 58.4%.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of dentists joining the GDC register in 2025 were internationally qualified?
53% of dentists who joined the GDC register in 2025 were internationally qualified, the first time overseas-trained dentists outnumbered UK-qualified dentists in new registrations.
How will the Overseas Registration Exam change under the new GDC contract?
Under the new contract with UCL Consultants, capacity and fees are rising significantly. The GDC expects up to 1,500 successful candidates annually once fully scaled, a major increase from the 10.1% who joined via this route in 2025.
What is happening to dental technician registration in the UK?
Dental technician numbers declined for the sixth consecutive year, with only 143 joining in 2025. The total number of registered dental technicians fell below 5,000 for the first time.
What was the most common reason dentists were removed from the GDC register in 2025?
Voluntary removal was the most common reason at 38.2%, followed by non-payment of annual retention fees at 32.5%, and retirement at 20.9%.
How much did the UK dental register grow in 2025?
The total dental register grew by 4.7% to 131,680 professionals. Dentists increased by 3.4% to 47,916, and dental care professionals rose by 5.5% to 83,764.
