What IELTS score do you need as a dental nurse 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.

Overseas-qualified dental care professionals are assessed by a panel (see how to apply: overseas-qualified DCP). You need a dental nurse qualification; an overseas dentistry degree alone no longer qualifies you to register as a DCP. You submit a learning outcomes form for the dental nurse title, your syllabus, transcript, certificate, CV, a character reference and at least two clinical references.

The GDC page lists an initial application fee of £549.09. The guidance asks for a single, original IELTS Test Report Form, usually no more than two years old when you submit it.

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