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GDC Registration, VTE, PLVE and Visa Support for Dentists

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.

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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.

Pathway Finder Step 1 of 3
Where did you gain your dental qualification?
Are you already registered with the GDC?
Will you need a UK work visa?
Takes ~20 seconds
  • 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.

48h response
Enquiry & eligibility
We confirm your route and eligibility — no commitment.
Months 1–3
IELTS & GDC registration
English evidence if needed, then your full GDC application.
Month 2–4
Skilled Worker Visa
Sponsorship, visa and IHS — legal fees covered.
3–12 months
Supervised period
Your mentored induction: DFT, VTE or PLVE by route.
Before you start
NHS Performers List
Your performer number, so you can treat NHS patients.
You’re practising
Your first patient
Settled, supported and earning within the group.

Overseas Registration Exam (ORE)

Overseas Registration Exam: Route Guidance and Support

01

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 administeredPathway C 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.
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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

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

Licentiate in Dental Surgery (LDS)

LDS: Route Guidance and Support

02

The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS), administered by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is a recognised qualification for General Dental Council (GDC) registration and provides an alternative route to registration for internationally qualified dentists.

LDS includes three 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. We help you understand whether LDS or ORE is the right route for your background and support the administrative aspects at every stage.

  • This applies to internationally qualified dentists only.
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GDC Registration

GDC Registration: Full Application Support from Start to Finish

03

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 provide complete guidance to make the process simple and smooth. Our team helps you prepare, organise and submit your application correctly while monitoring progress throughout.

  • This applies to UK graduates, EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists.
Check Your Eligibility

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

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

IELTS & English Language

IELTS: Understanding the English Language Requirements

04

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 primary dental degree was taught and examined entirely in English.

  • This applies to EU & EEA dentists and internationally qualified dentists where English language evidence is required.

Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Visa: Legal and Application Support Included

05

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.
Talk to Us About Your Visa

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

06

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.

We provide 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.
Enquire About PLVE Support

Vocational Training by Equivalence (VTE)

Vocational Training by Equivalence: Supervised Induction for Overseas Dentists

07

Vocational Training by Equivalence (VTE) is the supervised induction period for UK or EEA-qualified 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 Vocational Training Equivalent pathway with supervised training, clinical support and a structured transition into UK practice.

  • This applies to UK, EU & EEA dentists who have not completed UK Dental Foundation Training. (Internationally qualified dentists follow the PLVE route instead.)
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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

08

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. This helps 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.
Speak With Our Team

NHS Performers List

NHS Performers List: Registration Support Before You Begin Practice

09

Before treating NHS patients, dentists must secure conditional inclusion on the NHS Performers List.

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.
Speak With Our Team

What We Support

  • NHS Performers List registration guidance
  • Performer Number application support
  • Documentation and compliance assistance
  • Onboarding coordination before practice begins

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
  • A clear career pathway towards Clinical Lead and Joint Venture ownership

Dental Foundation Training (DFT)

Dental Foundation Training: Your First Step Into UK Associate Practice

10

Dental Foundation Training (DFT), previously known as Vocational Training (VT), is the mandatory first year for newly qualified dentists entering NHS practice.

After completing Dental Foundation Training, dentists receive their full 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. We also offer a clear pathway into private dentistry and future practice ownership.

  • DFT applies to newly qualified UK, EU/EEA, and overseas dentists with less than 12 months of experience who want to work in the NHS.
  • They Made the Move

Dentists who trusted the process

Real clinicians we’ve guided from first enquiry to practising in the UK.

Dr. Tony

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

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.”

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered

What is a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)?
A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that you are legally entitled to practise dentistry in the country where you last worked and that there are no restrictions on your registration. The document must usually be issued directly by the relevant dental authority or regulator and is typically valid for three months.
What should I look for in a PLVE practice?

A supportive PLVE environment should provide:

  • Consistent mentor access
  • Supervised clinical support
  • Clear induction processes
  • Guidance on NHS systems
  • Realistic clinical expectations
Can I apply to Saint Visage before passing both parts of the ORE or LDS?

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.

What are the most common mistakes overseas dentists make during registration?

Common issues include:

  • Incorrectly certified documents
  • Delayed English language evidence
  • Missing regulatory paperwork
  • Incomplete application forms
  • Delays obtaining Certificates of Good Standing
Is UK clinical experience required before applying?

No. Many overseas dentists apply without previous UK clinical experience. Structured induction and PLVE mentorship help candidates adapt to UK practice standards and systems.

Can Saint Visage support dentists after the ORE or LDS?

Yes. We support internationally qualified dentists through the period following ORE or LDS, including GDC registration, PLVE mentor provision where required, relocation assistance and a structured induction into UK clinical practice.

Do you offer PLVE support for overseas dentists?

Yes. Where PLVE is required as part of your NHS Performers List registration, Saint Visage can provide an appropriate practice environment and a qualified PLVE mentor. Availability depends on your registration status and qualification route, our careers team will confirm what applies to your specific situation.

 

Do you help with ORE or LDS pathways?

We provide route guidance to help internationally qualified dentists understand whether ORE or LDS is the right route, and what the process involves from start to finish. We do not offer exam tuition, but we fully support the planning and administrative aspects and are ready to begin onboarding once you have passed.

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.

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  • GDC, ORE & LDS guidance
  • Visa & legal fees covered
  • PLVE & VTE supervision
  • A coordinator throughout