Frequently
Asked Questions
Here you will find the answers you are looking for.
Do I need to take any English Language exams to work in the UK?
It is compulsory for foreign dentists wishing to practice in the UK to be proficient in the English language. All applicants are required to demonstrate their linguistic competence by means of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS test is administrated by the British Council in 105 countries. We recommend enrolling on an English language course as soon as possible, if you are unsure or for more information about the IELTS examination please visit: www.ielts.org.
Do I need to be registered in the UK to practice as a dentist?
For overseas dentists to practice in the UK it is necessary to register with the General Dental Council (GDC). It is a crime to practise dentistry in the United Kingdom unless you are either registered as a dentist with the GDC or are a dental or medical student in a UK university, school or hospital carrying out work as part of a course approved by the University. For further information please contact our recruitment team who can assist in this matter.
Will my qualification levels be good enough to work in the UK?
The best thing to do is to fill in the application form on the website and we can let you know quickly how we can help you.
How do I receive my pay?
Your salary will normally be paid directly into your bank account on a regular basis. There are plenty of ATMs or 'cash points' around, and you can also get cash at many supermarkets and at selective retailers, if you have a debit card e.g. Switch. Cash and debit cards, which deduct the money straight from your bank account, are the most common forms of payment. We advise you to open an account via a bank in your own country that has a reciprocal agreement in the UK, before you leave your own country.
Once you are employed in the UK it is possible to open an account and a reference from your previous bank or a letter from your employer/pay slip makes it easier. You will also need proof of your address e.g. a gas bill with your name on or a tenant contract.
What do I do if I become ill?
It is a good idea to register with a GP (general practitioner) in the area you live in. All you need to do is call the doctor's surgery and say that you'd like to register. They'll ask you your address, so that they can check if you live within their catchment area. When you go for your appointment take along some proof of your address (an electricity bill or bank statement). You will be treated free of charge, but will have to pay for any prescriptions required. Hospital emergency treatment is also free on the National Health Service - in case of emergency go along to the Casualty or Accident and Emergency (A & E) department.
What is the best way for me to travel whilst in the UK?
Trains
An extensive network of train routes connects England, Scotland and Wales. Trains tend to be more expensive than travelling by coach, but are usually quicker. For timetables and the cost of tickets call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 7 484 950 or visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk. For travel to Europe and beyond, call Eurostar on 0870 5 186 186 (enquiries), or 0845 7 30 30 30 (reservations) or visit: www.eurostar.com.
Coaches
Travelling by coach is often the cheapest option, although journey times can be long. Coaches serve most towns and cities in the UK, and you can also travel to mainland Europe. The main coach operator is National Express (0870 5 808 080) or visit: www.nationalexpress.com.
Driving and hiring a car
Whether your driving licence is valid depends on which country issued it. Please check with the DVLA (0870 240 0009) or visit: www.dvla.gov.uk.Remember that if you plan to drive you must also have insurance and your car must have road tax and, if it is over 3 years old an MOT test needs to be had. You can also hire cars, but different companies have different requirements, so always check that your licence is valid and that you have insurance.
Can I bring my marriage partner/children?
You can bring family with you. A1 Dental Recruitment can give advice if you do bringing your family to the UK, and can provide guidance with finding schools or childcare. Your spouse can get a work permit for the UK so long as you already have one. This work permit has to be organised in person at the British Embassy.
What documentation will I need to provide?
Once we have secured your ideal job, we need to provide our client with certain information, so it would be a good idea to send through as much of the following as soon as possible:
For hygienists: GDC registration certificate
For dentists: GDC registration certificate
Plus:
Provision of two up-to-date professional references
Photocopy of your passport
Current Police Clearance
2 passport photographs
Recent Hep B/C status
English Test Certificate
Medical Certificate
Curriculum Vitae
Dental Qualifications
Registration with the Dental Body in your country
Letter of reference from a dental body of your suitability as a dentist (i.e. no disciplinary problems)
Becoming a successful associate/ assistant and interview techniques
Practice Owners want associates/assistant who are:
Hard working.
Reliable: i.e. arrive for work on time and do not take too many days off sick.
Working to good clinical standards.
Have good communication skills: and so are able to communicate well with patients and work in a team with other staff members.
Interested in the practice and want to contribute to the success of the practice.
Want to stay: high dentist turnover provides poor continuity of care and, in general, patients do not like change.
Some questions a practice owner may ask:
Where and when did you qualify?
Where will you career have taken you in five years time?
Are you looking for a NHS, private or mixed list?
How much money did you make per month in your previous practice?
Which continuing education subjects interest you most and why?
What kinds of patients did you treat, in your previous practice, and which do you find most/least satisfying?
Are you interested in running your own practice or becoming a partner?
Are you part of any local dental interest groups?
Name the three most important characteristics in a good dentist?
Name the three most important characteristics in a good nurse?
Will you sign a contract?
Some questions you should you ask:
Will I always have a dental nurse to help me?
What are the practice working hours?
Is there a full list of patients for me to take over or will I be building a list? Are the patients on the list NHS or private?
How many new patients register with the practice each month and are they private/NHS?
Why did the previous dentist leave?
Where is the emergency kit and oxygen kept?
What is your cross infection policy?
Who decides which materials to order and which labs to use?
How is emergency cover organised?
How are the fees divided and how does the dentist get paid? How are lab fees and bad debts divided?