Petition · Department of Health and Social Care
Update on consultation on Overseas Dentist Provisional Registration Route
Closed
672 signatures
What the petition asks
We urge the UK Government to publish the responses and next steps to the consultation on overseas dentist provisional registration route. The consultation closed in May. We think the Govt must clarify why progress stalled, provide a clear timeline, and prioritize resolving NHS dental shortages.
We think the NHS faces a catastrophic dental care crisis, with many unable to access treatment and vulnerable patients suffering preventable pain. We think the provisional registration route proposed for qualified overseas dentists as an alternative to the ORE exam could immediately alleviate shortages. Yet, despite a consultation closing in 2024, there is no update. We think delays worsen the crisis: A 2022 study showed that 90% of UK practices refuse new adult NHS patients.
We think the new government must clarify why this solution remains stalled.
We think the new government must clarify why this solution remains stalled.
Timeline
| 4 Apr 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Oct 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
672
Status
Closed
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
4 Apr 2025
Closed
4 Oct 2025
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 3 Aug 2026.