The UK government has unveiled a fast-tracked registration process for dentists trained abroad to combat a severe shortage and decline in NHS dental access

The UK government has launched an emergency initiative to recruit dentists trained abroad in response to a severe shortage and diminishing access to NHS dental care. Under the new plan, dentists with foreign qualifications will undergo an expedited registration process to practice in the UK.

This initiative comes amid a record number of dentists registered with the General Dental Council, yet a decrease in dentists providing NHS services in England. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent NHS dentistry “rescue plan” has faced criticism for not addressing the flawed NHS payment contract or reversing real-terms funding cuts. Critics argue that the plan fails to address the root causes of dentists leaving the NHS for private practice.

The British Dental Association has expressed doubt about the effectiveness of recruiting overseas dentists, stating there is no evidence they are more willing to commit long-term to the “failed system” of the NHS than UK dentists. BDA chair Eddie Crouch emphasized the urgent need to fix the broken contract that is driving dentists away from the NHS.

To facilitate the recruitment of overseas dentists, the government has launched a consultation on plans to allow the General Dental Council to provisionally register dentists with foreign qualifications. This move aims to remove the red tape that currently hinders fully qualified overseas dentists from practising in the UK, according to Dentistry Minister Andrea Leadsom.

The NHS dental recovery plan seeks to enhance access to dental appointments for patients and increase the number of dentists available to provide care. However, critics argue that the plan is a short-term strategy that risks depriving developing countries of much-needed medical professionals.