The ORE pathway, explained

Part 1 — the written exam

Part 1 is a written, computer-based examination that tests the applied knowledge underpinning safe dental practice — clinical dentistry, the science behind it, law, ethics and health and safety. It is the knowledge gate: it confirms you understand the theory to UK standard before you are let anywhere near the practical assessment. It is demanding and many candidates prepare for months, but it is the cheaper and more widely available of the two parts, and you can sit it without travelling to the UK for the clinical component. You must pass Part 1 before you are allowed to book Part 2.

Part 2 — the practical / clinical exam

Part 2 is the hands-on assessment. It evaluates practical clinical skills and judgement — the things a written paper cannot capture — through structured practical and clinical stations, including a medical emergencies element. It is sat in the UK, which means budgeting for travel and accommodation on top of the exam fee. It is also the more expensive and more capacity-constrained part, which is why the GDC has expanded the number of Part 2 sittings and places under its new contract, and why candidates approaching the five-year deadline are given booking priority.

2026 fees under the new contract

The GDC confirmed the fees below on 6 May 2026 for the first sittings under its new examination contract, starting August 2026. VAT now applies to the ORE fee. These are exam fees only — see the honest total-cost note underneath.

Figures confirmed by the GDC on 6 May 2026 for the first sittings under its new examination contract (from August 2026). VAT now applies to the ORE fee. Fees change — confirm the current amounts on the GDC website before you budget.

The real total cost

Exam fees are only part of what the ORE pathway costs. A realistic budget also includes: English testing (IELTS or OET, sometimes taken more than once); certified translations and document certification; travel to and accommodation in the UK to sit Part 2; preparation courses or materials if you use them; the GDC registration application and fee once you pass; and the annual retention fee that keeps you on the register thereafter. None of these are set or collected by GeraClinic — we simply want your planning to be honest. Build a contingency for a re-sit, because attempts are not guaranteed passes.

Eligibility and evidence

To sit the ORE you generally need a dental qualification acceptable to the GDC, English evidence (typically IELTS Academic 7 overall, no less than 6.5 per component), around 1,600 hours of clinical experience with documentary proof, and a recent Certificate of Current Professional Status that is normally no more than three months old when the GDC receives your application. Because these criteria are periodically revised, confirm the exact current requirements on the GDC website before you apply.

Attempts, timing and booking

The rules that most affect planning are simple but strict: you may attempt each part up to four times, and you must pass Part 2 within five years of your first Part 1 attempt. Miss that window and earlier passes lapse. Under the new contract you book sittings through your MyGDC account; Part 1 runs across several sittings a year with hundreds of places each, and Part 2 across several sittings with fewer places, so book early. Priority is given to candidates nearing the five-year Part 2 limit and to those with refugee status.

ORE or LDS?

The ORE is not the only qualifying exam the GDC accepts. The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) from the Royal College of Surgeons is a recognised alternative. If ORE Part 2 places are scarce when you are ready, comparing the two on timing and cost can be worthwhile.