GDC expands ORE capacity tenfold from 2026

The UK General Dental Council (GDC) is planning a tenfold increase in capacity for the Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) and expansion of the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) pathway. This change, announced in March 2026, will significantly increase the number of seats available for internationally qualified dentists, including Indian BDS graduates, to register and practice in the UK. Dentists should monitor GDC announcements for specific exam dates and application windows.