What IELTS score do you need as a dental hygienist in the UK?

The GDC's English language page says dental professionals who qualified outside the UK must show the necessary knowledge of English as part of the assessment of their qualifications, knowledge and skills. Those who qualified in a country where English is the first language will not routinely need to give more evidence.

Evidence the GDC will routinely accept includes a recent primary dental qualification taught and examined entirely in English, a recent pass in a language test for registration with a regulator in a country where English is the first language, recent and continuous practice in such a country, or an IELTS pass at the required level. The guidance defines recent as no more than two years old, and asks for a structured English language reference showing that at least 75% of your clinical interaction was in English where you rely on your qualification or practice.

The GDC page says it accepts IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Online, with the same minimum scores. It also says the English language guidance is under review, so check the page before you book.

The overseas-qualified DCP page says you can apply for more than one title at once, for example dental hygienist and dental therapist, but you need a separate application form, supporting documents and learning outcomes form for each title. The initial application fee is £549.09.

A panel assesses your qualification against the UK learning outcomes, so the English evidence is only one part of the decision.

Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the GDC page before you book a test.