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Affiliate membership is tailored to overseas-qualified dentists in the UK who are actively working towards being able to practise here.

You can choose Essential Affiliate to access online advice and dentistry’s number one journal, the BDJ in print, or Extra Affiliate which means you can take 1-2-1 advice over the phone or via email.

Essential Affiliate membership

Dentists who qualified outside of the UK and who are working towards registration with the UK regulator (the GDC) can apply for Essential Affiliate membership.

Resources and peace of mind

This can be a challenging time, and we’re here to provide expert online guidance and professional resources to help you progress towards completion of your GDC registration.

Tailored advice on demonstrating eligibility to the GDC

We offer detailed advice that will help support your understanding of the application and assessment process and a detailed overview on how UK dentistry works. We’ll provide:

  • Information on GDC registration, including educational materials for ORE/LDS preparation
  • Advice on NHS frameworks, private practice opportunities, and choosing the right career path
  • Practical insights into UK standards, employment law, and patient care expectations
  • Guidance on professional responsibilities such as CPD and indemnity.

Learning and development

Joining as an Essential Affiliate member gets you access to 270 hours of CPD to show your commitment to professionalism.

NEW! Earn 26 hours of GDC-recommended CPD at a time and place that suits you. Each course can be taken in your own time: your progress will be saved, so you can dip in and out of the courses as needed.

Enjoy access to the BDJ portfolio with 70 hours of CPD each year, plus Europe’s largest dental library.

Earn, track and manage your learning in our CPD hub.

If you prefer learning in person, get discounts on training days, lecture-based seminars, practical hands-on workshops, multi-speaker conferences, and live evening webinars through our courses and events offer.

Keep up to date

Join your peers and colleagues enjoying the BDJ twice a month and stay up to date with what's happening in dentistry around the UK with BDJ In Practice and regular newsletters.

Looking after the people who matter

If you, your spouse, or a dependent need emotional support, Health Assured provides a confidential helpline 24/7, 365 days a year. We’re here to ensure you’re never alone during this challenging journey.

Only £33 for your first year 

The minimum membership period is 12 months. Please see our membership terms and conditions for details.

Learn more about our fees.

Year Annual Fee Monthly Fee
First year of Essential Affiliate membership £33 £2.87
Second year of membership £197.51 £16.46
Third year of membership £336.86 £28.07

 

This gradual fee structure allows you to access critical resources while focusing on achieving your GDC registration and building your career in UK dentistry.

Once you have registered with the GDC, you qualify for any of our three general categories of membership.

Join as an Affiliate member

Extra Affiliate membership

Extra Affiliate members get everything in our Essential Affiliate package, plus personalised one-to-one support from our expert advisors, ensuring tailored guidance throughout your professional journey.

Trustworthy advice and personalised support  

Whenever you need help you can call or email our expert advisors for one-to-one advice as they are familiar with the challenges faced by overseas dentists in the UK.  

Whether you’re navigating the ORE/LDS exams, exploring career opportunities, or managing employment law issues, our team is here to support you.  

Our Extra Affiliate membership also gives you access to our full range of expert resources, including detailed guides, career planning tools, updates on UK dental regulations, patient care expectations and compliance standards.  

For £86.28 per month

The minimum membership period is 12 months. Please see our membership terms and conditions for details. Learn more about our fees.

Asylum seeker or refugee?

Asylum seeker and refugee membership is available for free to overseas qualified dentists who have applied for or been awarded Asylum Seeker or Refugee status and are actively working towards registering as a dentist with the General Dental Council.
BDA member benefit

Advice for overseas qualified dentists

As members, overseas qualified dentists can gain information on GDC registration processes and find resources that will be important for their future practising life.
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