- Dentist Support
GDC Registration, PLVE, Visa and NHS Support for Dentists in the UK
Getting registered and established in UK dental practice involves more steps than most dentists expect. ORE or LDS examinations, GDC registration, IELTS requirements, visa applications, PLVE placement, VTE supervision, NHS Performers List registration — each with its own timeline, documentation and requirements depending on where you qualified. Saint Visage manages all of it. A named coordinator handles every document and deadline from your first enquiry through to your first patient.
Check Your Eligibility
Tell us where you qualified and our team will confirm your route within 48 hours.
100%
Fees covered for qualifying applicants
1
Named coordinator, every step
48h
Response time
40+
UK clinics
- Find Your Pathway
Which Pathway Applies to You?
The support Saint Visage provides depends on your qualification route. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll map your exact steps to UK practice.
- Your Journey
From first enquiry to your first patient
Every step handled by your named coordinator. Typical timings shown — most dentists are practising within 6–12 months.
IELTS & English Language
IELTS: Understanding the English Language Requirements
01
Some overseas dentists must provide English language evidence as part of the GDC registration process in the UK. Before you apply, we review your qualification and confirm whether IELTS Academic is required. You may be exempt if your dental degree was taught and examined entirely in English within the last two years.
- This applies to EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists where English language evidence is required.
IELTS Academic Requirements
- Minimum 6.5 in each section
- Overall average score of 7.0
How We Help
- Confirm whether IELTS applies to your qualification
- Explain current GDC English language requirements
- Guide you through test preparation and registration
- Review your results before GDC submission
- Advise on next steps if a resit is needed
What We Manage
- Document preparation guidance
- Certification and attestation support
- Application submission assistance
- Case tracking and progress monitoring
- Communication support during the process
- Registration fee coverage for qualifying applicants
GDC Registration
GDC Registration: Full Application Support from Start to Finish
02
To practise as a dentist in the UK, you must hold a GDC number. For many overseas dentists, the registration process can become delayed due to documentation, certification and application requirements. We manage the process from start to finish — helping you prepare, organise and submit your application correctly while monitoring progress throughout.
- This applies to UK graduates, EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists.
Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker Visa: Legal and Application Support Included
03
Most overseas dentists require a Skilled Worker Visa to work in the UK. We provide structured dentist visa support throughout the application process. Our legal team manages the process and helps ensure all documentation is prepared correctly before submission.
- This applies to EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists relocating to the UK.
What We Cover
- Skilled Worker visa guidance
- Full legal support during the application
- Home Office application assistance
- Documentation preparation support
- Sponsorship guidance where applicable
- For qualifying applicants, Home Office and legal fees are covered in full
What We Provide
- A named senior clinician mentor
- Supervised and structured clinical sessions
- NHS systems induction and compliance guidance
- Support with GDC standards and clinical notes
- Patient communication training
- Regular progress reviews with your coordinator
- Transition into the Associate Development Programme
PLVE
PLVE: Structured Support During Your Transition Into UK Practice
04
For many overseas dentists, the period after GDC registration approval is the most challenging stage of the process. Adjusting to NHS systems, UK clinical standards, patient expectations and day-to-day workflows takes time and proper support. Our PLVE mentorship programme is designed to help overseas dentists adapt to UK practice through supervised clinical induction and ongoing guidance — a structured environment focused on professional development, clinical confidence and practical support during the transition into practice.
- This applies to internationally qualified dentists following GDC registration.
Vocational Training Equivalent (VTE)
Vocational Training Equivalent: Supervised Induction for Overseas Dentists
05
Vocational Training Equivalent (VTE) is the supervised induction period for overseas dentists with GDC registration who have not completed UK Dental Foundation Training. It is the overseas equivalent of DFT and prepares dentists for independent NHS practice. We support dentists throughout the VTE pathway with supervised training, clinical support and a structured transition into UK practice.
- This applies to EU & EEA dentists who have not completed UK Dental Foundation Training. (Internationally qualified dentists follow the PLVE route instead.)
What Saint Visage Provides During VTE
- Approved practice environment for your supervised induction
- A named senior clinician overseeing your VTE period
- Structured clinical sessions and UK systems induction
- Training on NHS processes, clinical notes and GDC standards
- Patient communication support for UK practice
- Regular progress reviews with a dedicated coordinator
- Direct transition into full associate practice upon completion
What Saint Visage Coordinates
- NHS performer number application as part of PLVE onboarding
- Coordination between GDC registration, PLVE placement and NHS application
- Support transitioning from a Conditional to full NHS Performer Number after PLVE completion
Conditional Performer Number
Conditional Performer Number: Treating NHS Patients During Your Supervised Period
06
A Conditional Performer Number allows overseas dentists to treat NHS patients during their supervised PLVE period. It is issued before a full NHS Performer Number and must be linked to an approved supervised environment. We manage the Conditional Performer Number process as part of PLVE onboarding — helping overseas dentists start clinical practice without unnecessary delays after GDC approval.
- This applies to EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists during their supervised induction period.
NHS Performers List
NHS Performers List: Registration Support Before You Begin Practice
07
Before treating NHS patients, dentists must complete NHS Performers List registration and obtain a Performer Number. This stage can affect onboarding timelines if documentation or compliance requirements are incomplete. We provide step-by-step support throughout the process to help reduce delays before your clinical start date.
- This applies to UK graduates, EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists.
What We Support
- NHS Performers List registration guidance
- Performer Number application support
- Documentation and compliance assistance
- Onboarding coordination before practice begins
What Mentorship Covers
- Clinical and professional guidance
- Case discussions and treatment planning support
- Regular progress reviews
- Day-to-day clinical support
- Guidance on UK clinical standards and workflows
- Ongoing support throughout the Development Programme
Mentorship
Mentorship: Ongoing Clinical Guidance Throughout Your Programme
08
Every dentist within our programme is assigned a named senior clinician mentor. Mentorship is integrated into day-to-day practice and ongoing professional development. Our mentors provide practical guidance throughout your transition into UK practice — clinical support, professional development and regular progress discussions during the programme.
- This applies to all dentists joining the Saint Visage programme, regardless of route.
Dental Foundation Training (DFT)
Dental Foundation Training: Your First Step Into UK Associate Practice
09
Dental Foundation Training (DFT), previously known as Vocational Training (VT), is the mandatory first year for newly qualified dentists entering NHS practice. After completing DFT, dentists receive full GDC registration and an NHS Performer Number, allowing them to begin their associate career. For every post-DFT dentist, choosing the right practice is an important career decision — the right environment builds confidence, develops clinical skills and supports long-term growth. We provide UK graduates with strong clinical support, experienced mentorship and exposure to advanced dentistry, plus a clear pathway into private dentistry and future practice ownership.
- This applies to UK graduates who have completed Dental Foundation Training and are ready to begin their associate career.
What Saint Visage Offers
- Clinic placement matched to your location and clinical ambitions — minimum 4 options before committing
- A dedicated senior clinician mentor throughout your journey
- Exposure to general, restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry
- Support with private treatment uptake and patient communication
- Funded CPD, postgraduate diplomas and specialist training courses
- Clear progression towards Clinical Lead and Joint Venture ownership
What Saint Visage Provides
- Route guidance to confirm if the ORE–GDC pathway is right for your qualification background
- Full GDC registration support after passing both parts
- All registration fees covered for qualifying applicants
- PLVE mentor provision where required following GDC approval
- Relocation support, UK induction and entry into the Development Programme
- Apply before completing Part 2 — everything will be ready once you pass
Overseas Registration Exam (ORE)
Overseas Registration Exam: Route Guidance and Support
10
For dentists qualified outside the UK and EEA, the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) is a recognised route to GDC registration. The exam includes written and clinical assessments and is administered by the General Dental Council (GDC). Both parts must be passed before applying for GDC registration. We provide guidance and support throughout the ORE process, helping you understand the right route for your background.
- This applies to internationally qualified dentists only.
Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS)
LDS: Route Guidance and Support
11
The Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS), offered by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, is an alternative route to GDC registration for internationally qualified dentists. Like the ORE, the LDS includes two assessments. After successful completion, dentists become eligible for GDC registration and UK clinical practice. We provide route guidance and planning support throughout the LDS process — helping you understand whether LDS or ORE is the right route for your background, and supporting the administrative aspects at every stage.
- This applies to internationally qualified dentists only.
What Saint Visage Provides
- Route guidance — ORE vs LDS — based on your qualification and background
- Full LDS (RCS) & GDC registration support after both parts are completed
- All registration fees covered for qualifying applicants
- PLVE mentor support and structured UK induction following GDC approval
- Entry into the full Associate Development Programme
- They Made the Move
Dentists who trusted the process
Real clinicians we’ve guided from first enquiry to practising in the UK.
Dr. Tony
ADP Graduate · International
“To find a reliable company to guide and support you towards your goal is not easy. I truly appreciate the outstanding work ethic and responsibility the Saint Visage team showed towards my case, and the time and effort they spent finding the best opportunities for me.”
Dr. Barbara
ADP Graduate · Croatia
“Saint Visage has been an invaluable partner on my journey — they helped me with the entire process, from applying to the GDC to scheduling my mandatory test dates for Scotland.”
Start your UK practice journey
Saint Visage supports dentists through registration, relocation, onboarding and supervised clinical transition within UK practice.
From GDC registration and visa support to NHS onboarding and PLVE mentorship, our team provides practical support at every stage.
- GDC, ORE & LDS guidance
- Visa & legal fees covered
- PLVE & VTE supervision
- A coordinator throughout
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
- Consistent mentor access
- Supervised clinical support
- Clear induction processes
- Guidance on NHS systems
- Realistic clinical expectations
Yes. You can apply before completing Part 2. Saint Visage will have your onboarding, GDC application and placement fully prepared so everything is ready the moment you pass.
Common issues include:
- Incorrectly certified documents
- Delayed English language evidence
- Missing regulatory paperwork
- Incomplete application forms
- Delays obtaining Certificates of Good Standing
No. Many overseas dentists apply without previous UK clinical experience. Structured induction and PLVE mentorship help candidates adapt to UK practice standards and systems.