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What did they do next? A survey of dentists who have passed the Overseas Registration Examination of the General Dental Council

British Dental Journal volume 226, pages 342–348 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Aims To establish what work a sample of Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) registrants were undertaking and understand what had facilitated or impeded them from finding suitable employment as dentists. Method An online questionnaire, consisting of both closed and open questions, was used to capture data from a population of 1,106 former ORE candidates who passed the examination between 2009 and 2014 and were registered by the General Dental Council (GDC). The data were analysed and presented in the form of tables, figures and a presentation of the major themes that emerged from the responses. Results There was a 42% response rate. Seventy-one percent of respondents were employed as dentists in the UK, with the majority providing a mixture of private and NHS patient treatment. Most who were not working as dentists were actively seeking training places. Additional themes that were identified included: the availability of Dental Foundation/Vocational Training places; poor employment practices; perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the ORE; and some ideas about the future responsibilities of the GDC. Conclusions This survey has highlighted some difficulties that many ORE registrants face finding suitable work as dentists. Stakeholders should be aware of these challenges.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the GDC for funding this survey, the GDC research team for help and advice, and lastly, the many ORE dentists who shared their thoughts and experiences with us.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Member, Overseas Registration Examination Advisory Group, General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, W1G 8DQ, London, UK

    Susan M. Jenkins, Luke J. Dawson & Roger Murphy

  2. Chair, Overseas Registration Examination Advisory Group, General Dental Council, 37 Wimpole Street, W1G 8DQ, London, UK

    Vince Bissell

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  1. Susan M. Jenkins
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  2. Vince Bissell
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  4. Roger Murphy
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Correspondence to Susan M. Jenkins.

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Jenkins, S., Bissell, V., Dawson, L. et al. What did they do next? A survey of dentists who have passed the Overseas Registration Examination of the General Dental Council. Br Dent J 226, 342–348 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-019-0032-1

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