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  4. Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - January

IN-PERSON EVENT, hosted by the BDA's Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group

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Working towards GDC registration?

Become an Essential Affiliate member for just £33 for the year and attend these eight evening lectures for free, saving you £400!

Already GDC registered?

Become an Essential member and join our community of overseas-qualified dentists beginning their professional journey with us.

Or call / email our Membership team for help - 020 7563 4550 / [email protected] 

What to expect

This evening's lectures will empower overseas-qualified dentists with the legal, ethical, and financial knowledge needed to work confidently and compliantly in UK dental practices. The session will help participants understand their rights and responsibilities, navigate workplace challenges, and build strong professional relationships.

You'll have the opportunity to meet with and hear from key BDA advisors as well as hearing the personal story of an overseas-qualified dentist about how they are building a positive and professional relationship with their practice.

Timings

18:15/30 Registration, refreshments, networking and exhibition time 

19:00 Welcome and introduction from the BDA

20:30 Networking

21:00 Ends

Learning objectives

  • Understand UK employment law and equality legislation
  • Apply health and safety principles in practice
  • Manage tax and personal finances as a self-employed dentist
  • Build professional relationships and navigate practice culture.

Development outcomes

A, B and D

Meet the speakers

To be announced Advisory Services Manager, British Dental Association

More information

Getting the best out of working in your practice within the UK legal framework

Understanding UK employment law for dentists

  • Being aware of the UK’s equality and diversity laws which affect you - Your rights working within the practice
  • Protected characteristics and what discrimination looks like in practice
  • Recognise discrimination, bullying, and harassment in the workplace.
  • Legal protections and internal grievance procedures
  • Understanding freedom of speech limitations within the context of a professional setting.

Health and safety at work

  • Key responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • What you should expect from your practice in terms of safety
  • Recognise your own responsibilities in maintaining a safe working environment.

Tax implications and managing your personal finances

  • Understand the financial implications of self-employment
  • Your responsibility for ensuring your pay and tax are correct
  • Identify your key financial commitments as an associate or practice owner.
  • Plan for tax obligations and maintain healthy cash flow.

Case study: Building a positive and professional relationship with your practice

A personal story from an overseas-qualified dentist

  • Choosing the right practice: culture, mentorship, support
  • Fostering positive relationships with other dentists in the practice
  • Evaluating your practice for mentorship opportunities and career progression
  • Reflecting on barriers faced and what I would do differently.

NB: Exact content to be confirmed

Please email [email protected] with any dietary requirements.

Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ

Warren Suite and Oxford Suite, Third Floor

 

By bus
There are many buses stopping within a few minutes walk of Hallam Street, including numbers: 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 25, 88, 94, 137, 159, 189, 453 and C2.

By rail
Marylebone, Euston and Kings Cross St Pancras Stations are all within 10 minutes taxi rides or alternatively 15 minutes by Underground. Paddington Station (which has a direct link to Heathrow every 15 minutes) is 20 minutes walk or 10 minutes in a taxi.

By underground

The nearest stations are Great Portland Street and Oxford Circus

Great Portland Street
Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan – 5 minutes walk

Leave the station, walk South down Great Portland Street. At the traffic lights, cross over the street and continue down the road. Turn right into Devonshire Street and immediately left into Hallam Street at The Masons Arms. Continue down the road, cross Weymouth Street and walk down the road, you will then shortly arrive at 44 Hallam Street.

Oxford Circus
Bakerloo, Central, Victoria – 5 minutes walk

Leave the Tube using Exit 4, which will bring you out on the North side of Oxford Street by Ikea. Walk North away from Oxford Circus with Ikea on your left. The road starts to curve round to the left as Regent St becomes Langham Place. Cross the street at the zebra crossing and walk towards the BBC’s main entrance. Just before the entrance turn right and then left up to 44 Hallam Street.

By car
To plan your journey by car visit The AA’s Route Planner and enter the venue's postcode: W1W 6JJ. Please note that this events venue is within the Congestion Charge Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone.

There is on-street parking nearby, see: Parking in Westminster for more information. The nearest NCP car park is at 6-7 Weymouth Mews.

Venue map

BDA's Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group

A community group for dentists qualified outside of the UK and now working, or looking to work, as a dentist in the UK. A monthly CPD lecture from September 2025 to April 2026, which is free to attend for BDA members and provides an opportunity to network with other dentists, BDA advisers and key external advisers.

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - September

Attention overseas-qualified dentists! If you have already started working in the UK, or you are planning to work as a dentist in the UK soon, then join us on Thursday 25 September for practical and useful evening lectures. The speakers will explore the structure of dentistry in the UK, the role of key regulatory and professional bodies, and what to expect when working in general dental practice.

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - October

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - November

On Thursday 20 November, the third evening of lectures will take place for overseas-qualified dentists who have recently started working, or are planning to work in the UK. Hear directly from the GDC and improve your understanding of what it means to work in a regulated profession. How to maintain ongoing registration with the GDC, how to practice safely, and how to avoid facing a Fitness to practise investigation.

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - December

On Tuesday 9 December, the fourth evening of lectures will take place for overseas-qualified dentists who have recently started working, or are planning to work in the UK. Hear from James Goldman on how to navigate employment contracts to help you make informed decisions, plus Phil McEvoy will present an essential guide to pensions "What's in it for me?".

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - February

On Thursday 26 February, the sixth evening of lectures will take place for overseas-qualified dentists who have recently started working, or are planning to work in the UK. Len D'Cruz and Bindiya Thakrar will help you to understand the concept of indemnity cover, its legal necessity in the UK, and how it supports professional practice. The session will also explore risk management, ethical responsibilities, and teamwork within the dental profession.

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - March

On Thursday 26 March, the seventh evening of lectures will take place for overseas-qualified dentists who have recently started working, or are planning to work in the UK. First, Neda Hussaini Nasab and Len D'Cruz will look at how you can prepare yourself for undertaking the ORE. Following this, Raj Rattan MBE will provide invaluable tips for effective communication with your practice and patients, preparing you for practising dentistry in the UK following the ORE.

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Overseas-Qualified Dentists Group: Starting out in the UK - April

Thursday 23 April will complete the series of evening lectures for overseas-qualified dentists who have recently started working, or are planning to work in the UK. A panel debate will help you consider your next steps and revisit some of the key messages and challenges covered throughout the programme – including key speakers from the past months and new contributors.