That this House notes that around 5,000 overseas-qualified dentists are currently waiting to sit the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) in order to practice dentistry in the UK; further notes that each application process costs individuals approximately £5,000; highlights the case of one South Cotswolds constituent who has been unable to secure an exam slot for over two years; recognises the acute shortage of dentists, particularly in rural areas; acknowledges the serious consequences of limited access to dental care, including chronic pain and untreated infections; believes that enabling overseas-qualified dentists to practice can help relieve pressure on the existing dental workforce; and calls on the General Dental Council to re-evaluate the ORE process, expand exam capacity, and explore supervised practice pathways as a route to registration.
Signatories (32)
- Dr Roz Savage Sponsor
- Wera Hobhouse
- Clive Jones
- Adam Dance
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Tom Gordon
- Helen Maguire
- Claire Young
- Jim Shannon
- Ellie Chowns
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Liz Jarvis
- Helen Morgan
- Mr Will Forster
- Jess Brown-Fuller
- Charlotte Cane
- Lisa Smart
- Sarah Gibson
- Sarah Dyke
- Alex Brewer
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Carla Denyer
- Richard Foord
- Andrew George
- John McDonnell
- Josh Babarinde
- Siân Berry
- Pippa Heylings
- Luke Taylor
- Tessa Munt
- Steve Darling
- Olly Glover