Who has to sit the ORE?

Dentists whose qualifications are not recognised for UK registration (most primary qualifications gained outside the UK or EEA) sit the ORE and apply for registration once both parts are passed.

How long does the ORE take?

Around six to twelve months if each part is passed at the first attempt; demand for places is extremely high and it can take several years without an immediate place or a first-time pass.

How many places are there?

The GDC's figures: 2,400 Part 1 and 944 Part 2 places in the first contract year. The first sittings were Part 1 on 25 to 26 August 2026 with 600 places and Part 2 on 10 to 13 September 2026 with 144 places.

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Dentists

How much do ORE Part 1 and Part 2 cost, and how many attempts do you get?

The GDC charges £115 to apply for the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE), £485 for Part 1 and £6,967 for Part 2, the fees from 6 May 2026; you have up to 4 attempts per part, and must pass Part 2 within five years of first attempting Part 1.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · GDC ↗

Fees

Step	Fee
Application to sit the OREYou pay	£115
ORE Part 1You pay	£485
ORE Part 2You pay	£6,967
Annual retention fee for 2026, due when you registerYou pay	£698
Total, before any resit	£8,265

Good to know

Who has to sit the ORE?: Dentists whose qualifications are not recognised for UK registration (most primary qualifications gained outside the UK or EEA) sit the ORE and apply for registration once both parts are passed.
How long do I have to pass Part 2?: Pass Part 2 within five years of first attempting Part 1.
How long does the ORE take?: Around six to twelve months if each part is passed at the first attempt; demand for places is extremely high and it can take several years without an immediate place or a first-time pass.
How many places are there?: The GDC's figures: 2,400 Part 1 and 944 Part 2 places in the first contract year. The first sittings were Part 1 on 25 to 26 August 2026 with 600 places and Part 2 on 10 to 13 September 2026 with 144 places.

What to do next

Tell us about your dental degree and what you have passed, and we show which of the GDC's steps you have left, with each fee and how long it takes.

Sources

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