Scaling up access
AlphaPlus joins GDC initiative to expand dental exams
We are pleased to announce that AlphaPlus has been selected to support a major new initiative to expand the UK’s Overseas Registration Examination (ORE), which enables internationally qualified dentists to register and practise in the United Kingdom.
Supporting a growing need
The General Dental Council (GDC) has appointed UCL Consultants Ltd (UCLC) to lead a consortium that will deliver both parts of the ORE. AlphaPlus will lead on the development, delivery and psychometrics for Part 1 of the exam, and support Part 2 with assessment development and psychometric services.
This strategic partnership comes at a critical time, as applications to sit the ORE rose by 53% in 2024. These new arrangements are designed to more than double the number of exam places available to overseas candidates, helping to reduce the backlog and bring more qualified dentists into the UK workforce.
Speaking about selecting the UCLC-led consortium as the preferred bidder, Theresa Thorp, Executive Director of Regulation at the GDC, said:
"Today marks a significant step forward in addressing the demand for ORE places and our commitment to supporting internationally qualified dentists who want to practise in the UK. These new arrangements will provide enhanced capacity to meet that demand.
"Dentists who have qualified overseas make an invaluable contribution to the UK dental workforce, and we want to ensure that the pathway to registration is as accessible as possible while maintaining the high standards that protect patients.”
About the General Dental Council
The GDC is the UK-wide regulator of more than 120,000 members of the dental profession, including approximately 44,500 dentists and 76,000 dental care professionals. Its mission is to protect the public by maintaining health and safety standards, promoting confidence in the profession, and upholding professional conduct. AlphaPlus will be proud to contribute its expertise in assessment design and delivery, helping to ensure these exams remain fair, rigorous, and scalable.
You can read the full announcement on the General Dental Council website. https://www.gdc-uk.org
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