Registration as a dentist with a Relevant European Diploma

The information on this page is only relevant to you if:

• you have never been registered with the GDC before, and
• you hold a relevant European diploma.

How do I apply?

Please begin by reading our guidance notes for EEA-qualified dentists to confirm you are eligible to apply for registration as a dentist under this route and for further information regarding the required documentation.

You can apply for registration online via eGDC by selecting 'Apply to register'.

• Please note, you will be asked to complete the route to registration questionnaire.
• Following completion of the online application process, you will be issued with a personalised application form to download, print, sign and submit along with your supporting documents.
• Please read our guidance about health self-certification.

Reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are available to applicants who might find using the online eGDC route to registration difficult. Please submit an enquiry to request a reasonable adjustment.

Relevant European Diplomas

You can find out more about relevant European Diplomas in Annex V, V.3. (Dental practitioner) in Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Please note, to be eligible for registration under this route, you must hold a European Diploma as listed in Annex V and it must be accompanied by the relevant certificates listed in Annex V. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in your application being refused. 

Once your application is complete, please send with relevant documents to:

Registration Team (New Registrations)
General Dental Council
1 Colmore Square
Birmingham
B4 6AJ

How long will it take?

We have a maximum of 12 weeks from receipt of a completed application to register a dentist. Please ensure you have completed the form correctly and that you have included all requested documents, as incomplete forms will take longer to process and may be returned to you.

You will be sent an automated email acknowledging the receipt of your application within 10-15 days of receiving your application.

You will then be contacted within four weeks once your application has been processed, either to request payment if your application is complete, or to request further information in order to complete your application.

You must provide evidence that you have the necessary knowledge of English with your application, please see our accepted English language controls guidance here.

You are advised to provide all necessary supporting documentation with your application to prevent any delay in the processing your application. Please ensure that all supporting documentation is provided, copies of documents are certified according to our standards and any documents not in English are translated also according to the GDC's standards.

When will I need to make payment for registration?

Please refer to our registration fees page for more information.

What happens next?

Please remember it is illegal to practise dentistry in the UK before a registration number is issued.

Once you are registered, an original registration certificate will be sent to your address. You may also search the online register to see if you have been registered, as this will be updated before you receive your certificate.

Your name, qualification(s) and registration number will appear in the register once you are registered.

Please ensure you are familiar with what is expected of you as a GDC registered dental professional. Dental professionals are required to be familiar with the GDC Standards and Guidance.

Once registered, you must have professional indemnity to practise in the UK.