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Qualification recognition

What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.

Dentistry in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there

4 United Kingdom Exams or bridging High demand

You must pass the GDC's Overseas Registration Exam; Part 2 alone costs GBP 6,967.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
1-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
ORE Part 1 (applied knowledge) and ORE Part 2 (clinical skills). Four attempts at each; Part 2 within 5 years of first Part 1 attempt.
Language test
English; the GDC's English language controls apply (IELTS or OET evidence).
Rough cost
About GBP 7,567 in GDC fees: application GBP 115, Part 1 GBP 485, Part 2 GBP 6,967, plus annual retention.

Worth knowing: ORE places are heavily oversubscribed. A Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) route has historically existed as an alternative; check current availability with the GDC.

Step by step 6 steps

  1. Check the GDC's list of recognised overseas qualifications. If your degree is not listed you must take the ORE.
  2. Meet the GDC's English language controls (IELTS or OET) and apply for the ORE.
  3. Pass ORE Part 1, a written test of applied knowledge, costing GBP 485.
  4. Pass ORE Part 2, the clinical skills examination, costing GBP 6,967.
  5. You get four attempts at each part and must pass Part 2 within five years of first attempting Part 1.
  6. Apply for GDC registration, then obtain an NHS performer number or take a private post.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: Health and Care Worker visa codes include dental practitioners (2253), a priority route with lower salary thresholds and reduced fees. (source)

Visas for United KingdomSkilled Worker visa · Health and Care Worker visa · Graduate visa (Graduate route) and 3 more6 routes
3 Ireland Exams or bridging Some demand

Non-EU dentists must pass the Dental Council's own Examination for Dentists before full registration.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
1-2 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
The Dental Council Examination for Dentists, required for most qualifications obtained outside the EU.
Language test
English; proof of language proficiency must be submitted with the application.
Rough cost
Not published. The Dental Council publishes examination and registration fees separately.

Worth knowing: If you have already had your qualification recognised in an EU state and practised there 3 of the last 5 years, the EU Professional Qualifications route may apply instead.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Confirm your route: qualifications obtained outside the EU are not automatically recognised in Ireland.
  2. Sit and pass the Dental Council Examination for Dentists.
  3. Submit the application form with your passport, qualification, proof of language proficiency and certificates of good standing, plus translations.
  4. Pay the registration fee and allow around three months for the registration process.
  5. Take up a practice or HSE dental post once registered.
Evidence and sources (1)

Demand evidence: Dentists are not on the Critical Skills List, but are not on the Ineligible Occupations List either, so a General Employment Permit is possible. (source)

Visas for IrelandCritical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) · General Employment Permit (GEP) · Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) and 1 more4 routes
3 Netherlands Major requalification Some demand

Same BIG route as doctors: academic Dutch is compulsory, plus a dentists' knowledge exam.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
2-4 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
Dentists' beroepsinhoudelijke toets (BI-toets), following a CBGV equivalence assessment.
Language test
Dutch is compulsory at an academic B2-plus level across reading, listening, writing and speaking. An English reading certificate at B2 (IELTS 5.5-6.0, TOEFL 72-94 or Cambridge 160-179) is also required; the CBGV exempts applicants whose professional training was in English, shown for example by a diploma supplement.
Rough cost
Around EUR 1,500 for the dentists' BI-toets plus EUR 85 BIG registration, excluding Dutch courses.

Worth knowing: Test capacity is limited and waits are long. The BIG-register says preparing for the BI-toets is very important for a good result and no resit is possible; for dentists it points to ACTA's Canvas course and practice on the Simodont. Some refused dentists apply for recognition as a mondhygienist (dental hygienist) instead, but the BIG-register says that application is often refused too.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Learn Dutch to the required academic level; the BIG-register says this takes on average one and a half to two years.
  2. Submit language certificates and apply for recognition; the CBGV assesses your dental training against Dutch training.
  3. Sit the beroepsinhoudelijke toets (BI-toets) for dentists, a professional knowledge examination.
  4. Complete any additional Dutch training the CBGV requires to close gaps.
  5. Register in the BIG-register, then apply for practice posts.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list; dentists register with BIG and can use normal work-permit routes. No current UWV occupation data reachable. (limited evidence for this country) (source)

Visas for NetherlandsHighly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) · Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) · European Blue Card (Netherlands) and 1 more4 routes
3 Germany Major requalification Some demand

Approbation as a Zahnarzt needs B2 German, in most cases a professional language exam, and usually a Kenntnisprufung.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
2-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
In most cases the professional language examination, plus, in most third-country cases, the Kenntnisprufung.
Language test
German is compulsory: B2 general German plus, in most cases, a C1-level professional language examination (the competent authority says when an exception applies).
Rough cost
Not published. Fees set per state, plus German courses and certified translations.

Worth knowing: Verified in detail for doctors; dentists follow the same Approbation framework, but confirm the exact exam format with the relevant state authority.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Reach B2 general German and, in most cases, pass the professional language examination (Fachsprachprufung) at C1 level; the competent authority says when an exception applies.
  2. Apply to the approbation authority of the German state where you intend to work.
  3. The authority checks whether your dental degree is equivalent to German training; non-EU degrees usually are not found equivalent.
  4. Sit the Kenntnisprufung, a practical and oral examination at the level of the German dental state examination.
  5. Receive the Approbation and register with the regional dental chamber (Zahnarztekammer).
Evidence and sources (3)

Demand evidence: Dentists are not named among Make it in Germany's professions in demand (only dental assistants and dental technicians are). (source)

Visas for GermanyEU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) · Skilled worker visa (Fachkräfte, Residence Act §18a/§18b) · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Residence Act §20a) and 1 more4 routes
3 United States Major requalification Some demand

In practice you need a 2-3 year CODA-accredited advanced standing DDS or DMD: a second dental degree.

Recognition
2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
Time to practise
3-5 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
INBDE plus a state-accepted clinical assessment administered by a third-party testing agency.
Language test
English; individual programmes set their own requirements and may accept an English-medium SA degree.
Rough cost
Not published. The advanced standing programme tuition is by far the largest cost and is not published centrally.

Worth knowing: A few states have narrow exceptions such as faculty or limited licences without a CODA degree, but these are not a general route to practice.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Note that nearly all states require a DDS or DMD from a university programme accredited by CODA, so an SA BChD on its own is not enough.
  2. Apply, usually through ADEA CAAPID, to a CODA-accredited international dentist or advanced standing programme, typically 2-3 years long.
  3. Admission commonly involves a bench (hand skills) test and interviews, and places are limited.
  4. Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), required by all licensing jurisdictions.
  5. Complete a state-accepted clinical assessment and apply to the state dental board for a licence.
Evidence and sources (1)

Demand evidence: BLS OOH: dentists, general projected to grow faster than average; dentistry is not on DOL Schedule A. (source)

Visas for United StatesH-1B specialty occupation visa · F-1 student visa with OPT and STEM OPT · O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability and 3 more6 routes
4 Canada Exams or bridging High demand

Canada's NDEB Equivalency Process (AFK, ACJ, NDECC) then certification, with capped attempts.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
2-4 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
AFK, ACJ and NDECC in the Equivalency Process, followed by the NDEB certification examinations.
Language test
English or French, depending on the province where you register.
Rough cost
Not published. The NDEB publishes a separate fee for each assessment.

Worth knowing: The three-attempt caps on AFK and ACJ are hard stops. Some candidates instead enter a Canadian dental school's qualifying or degree-completion programme.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Apply to the NDEB Equivalency Process as the holder of a BDS, DDS or DMD from a non-accredited programme.
  2. Pass the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK); a maximum of three attempts is allowed.
  3. Pass the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ); again a maximum of three attempts.
  4. Pass the NDECC clinical assessment, which can be retaken within a 60-month window.
  5. Complete the NDEB Certification Process, then apply to the provincial dental regulator for a licence.
Evidence and sources (1)

Demand evidence: Express Entry Healthcare and social services category: Dentists (31110). (source)

Visas for CanadaExpress Entry (FSWP / CEC / FSTP) · Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) · Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and 2 more5 routes
4 Australia Exams or bridging High demand

ADC initial assessment, then written and practical exams: about A$7,500 in fees over 1-3 years.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
1.5-3 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
ADC written examination and ADC practical examination, after a successful initial assessment.
Language test
English; unless you meet an exemption, Ahpra and the Dental Board accept five English tests: Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, IELTS Academic, OET, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Minimum scores were updated from 23 April 2026.
Rough cost
About A$7,544 in ADC fees (initial assessment A$647, written A$2,122, practical A$4,775) plus AHPRA registration.

Worth knowing: Sequence matters: the initial assessment expires after 7 years and the written exam pass after 5. South African dental degrees are not ADC-accredited.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Submit an ADC initial assessment (A$647, about 8 weeks). You need at least a 4-year full-time dental degree; the result is valid 7 years.
  2. Pass the ADC written examination (A$2,122); sittings are roughly every six months and the pass is valid 5 years.
  3. Pass the ADC practical examination (A$4,775); results take 4-7 months and the pass does not expire.
  4. Apply to the Dental Board of Australia via AHPRA for general registration, meeting its English language requirement.
  5. Take up a practice post; Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition then also opens New Zealand.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Dentist (269232) in national shortage. (source)

Visas for AustraliaSkills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Points-tested stream · Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and 3 more6 routes
4 New Zealand Exams or bridging High demand

Current SA dental degrees are no longer prescribed; you must pass NZDREX, run through Canada's NDEB.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
2-4 years
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
NZDREX delivered via the NDEB's AFK, ACJ and NDECC assessments. AFK and ACJ are capped at three attempts each.
Language test
English; the Dental Council requires evidence of English competence.
Rough cost
Not published. NDEB assessment fees plus Dental Council registration and practising certificate fees.

Worth knowing: Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition is an easier back door: register in Australia via the ADC first, then transfer to New Zealand.

Step by step 5 steps

  1. Check the prescribed qualifications list. SA dental degrees (Pretoria, Wits, Western Cape, Stellenbosch, Medunsa) are prescribed only for graduates from before 1998-2000.
  2. Otherwise complete the NDEB (Canada) equivalency process of AFK, ACJ and NDECC, which is the NZDREX pathway.
  3. AFK and ACJ allow a maximum of three attempts each; NDECC can be retaken within a 60-month window.
  4. Alternatively apply for individual assessment of your qualification, training and experience against NZ standards.
  5. Meet the Dental Council's fitness-to-register requirements, then register and obtain an annual practising certificate.
Evidence and sources (2)

Demand evidence: Green List Tier 1: Dentist (252312) plus dental specialist codes (252311). (source)

Visas for New ZealandAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) · Green List (Straight to Residence and Work to Residence) · Skilled Migrant Category resident visa and 2 more5 routes
4 United Arab Emirates Exams or bridging High demand

Licensing exam plus 2 years' experience; with no formal SA dental internship, the PQR asks for 2 more years.

Recognition
3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
Time to practise
6-12 months once 2-4 years of experience are met (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
Exams
Authority licensing exam for general dentists (computer-based, via Prometric for DHA). The April 2025 PQR's general-dentist exemption list has no South African entry. SA specialists with an FCD(SA) fellowship or MChD and HPCSA registration are exempt as specialists, unless their gap in practice exceeds 3 years (DHA copy) or 2 years (DoH copy).
Language test
English; the PQR says all licensing exams are in English. No Arabic requirement was found for licensing.
Rough cost
DHA credentialing fee AED 200, plus separate DataFlow verification and Prometric exam fees not published on the pages checked; total unknown

Worth knowing: Whether SA community service counts as the internship is decided by the authority. Visas are employer-tied and do not lead to PR or citizenship; the Golden Visa is the long-term exception.

Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.

Step by step 6 steps

  1. Check experience: the PQR asks a general dentist for a BDS or equivalent, an internship and 2 years of clinical experience.
  2. SA BChD graduates do no formal internship; the PQR adds 2 extra years of experience where no internship is shown, so plan on 4 years unless the authority accepts community service as the internship.
  3. Choose the emirate you will work in (DHA for Dubai, DoH for Abu Dhabi, MOHAP for the rest) and apply online (Sheryan in Dubai, TAMM in Abu Dhabi).
  4. Have your degree, internship, experience letters, HPCSA or council registration and good standing verified by DataFlow (primary source verification).
  5. Pass the authority's computer-based licensing exam in English (DHA uses Prometric); three attempts are allowed. The PQR exempts general dentists only with a pass in the ADC, NDEB, Irish, NZDREX, ORE, US National Board or UAE EDEE exams, or registration after an accredited degree in Australia, Ireland, NZ or the UK (ORE passes no older than 5 years; no exemption after a gap in practice of more than 3 years, 2 in Abu Dhabi).
  6. Get a job offer: the registration only becomes a licence when a UAE health facility activates it, and that employer also sponsors your visa.
Evidence and sources (6)

Demand evidence: Abu Dhabi's 10-year Golden Visa for Elite Specialists in Health Fields is open to holders of an Abu Dhabi Department of Health practising licence and a bachelor's degree, with Department of Health endorsement; elsewhere in the UAE dentists work on an ordinary employer visa. (source)

Visas for United Arab EmiratesEmployment residence visa and MOHRE work permit · Green Visa (skilled employee or freelancer) · Golden Visa (10-year residence) and 3 more6 routes

General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Dentistry overview