Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential to take the GDC’s Overseas Registration Examination or undertake postgraduate training.
The GDC requires an overall level 7 in the IELTS exam, with no single score below 6.5 in the four sections (listening, academic reading, academic writing, and speaking). EEA dentists do not currently have to prove their English language ability for registration purposes.
Local primary care organisations (PCOs) must be satisfied with the proficiency in English of non-UK dentists before accepting them onto their list of NHS dentists. This requirement applies to EEA dentists. The IELTS (academic) at Level 6 or the IELTS (general) at Level 7 is acceptable, although PCOs will accept a number of language qualifications, a list of which can be seen here.
Advice on language requirements, training and testing is available from The British Council at www.ielts.org or telephone 0161 957 7755.
