How to become a dentist in Ireland from India (2026): IDC Registration Exam route, fees & timeline
BDS (India) to registered dentist in Ireland via the Dental Council examination
Exam and registration fees are set by the Dental Council - check the current fees page before budgeting. The bottleneck is PLACES, not price: the exam has limited seats allocated by random selection from a short January application window.
1. Confirm the route & gather documents
Non-EEA qualified dentists register via the Dental Council examination route (s.27(2)(d) Dentists Act). The exam is run with both Irish dental schools and has theoretical + clinical parts assessed to EU standards.
- BDS degree + transcripts
- DCI registration + certificate of good standing
- Internship certificate
- Passport
2. Prove English proficiency
OET grade B or IELTS 6.5 in EACH section (reading, writing, listening, speaking) - required since Nov 2018. Verify the current standard on the Council site before booking.
IELTS Academic (approx, paid in India): INR 17,000
- OET or IELTS result
3. Apply in the January window (random selection)
Applications for the 2026 sitting were accepted only during 12-16 January 2026, with limited places allocated by RANDOM SELECTION. Missing the window costs a full year - set an alert for the next cycle announcement.
- Complete application pack per the Council checklist
4. Pass the Dental Council examination (Parts 1 & 2)
Theory (Part 1) then clinical (Part 2), run with the Irish dental schools. Fees are published on the Council's fees page - verify current amounts; repeat attempts carry separate fees.
5. Register with the Dental Council
Enter the register after passing; annual retention fee applies. From here you can work anywhere in Ireland, and Irish registration also strengthens later UK/EU mobility.
- Exam pass confirmation
- Good standing (updated)
6. Employment permit & first Irish job
Dentists are eligible for Irish employment permits (check the current Critical Skills / General permit lists). Many overseas dentists start in private practice associate roles - DentalSync's Ireland listings flag permit-sponsoring clinics.
- Registration
- Job offer
- Permit application
Track this pathway free on DentalSync →
Fees and rules change — always confirm on the regulator links above. DentalSync re-verifies this page's facts periodically (last: 2026-07-06).