Sir, it has been a rollercoaster since the day I aspired to register with the GDC as an internationally qualified dentist. For booking the exam, it's been futile depending on ORE/LDS exam dates and their fastest-finger-first/lottery system respectively. Hence, recently I have been considering getting registered with the GDC as a dental therapist/hygienist using the controversial loophole in the GDC legislature everyone keeps talking about.1,2

I couldn't consider this option sooner because I happen to have done a Masters in Prosthodontics and was hoping to work my way up in the UK from a GDP position after clearing ORE/LDS. But now I feel I might as well be working as a dental therapist/hygienist rather than just waiting here in the UK. Moreover, this would help me get clinical exposure and I would be more confident to start working as a dentist once I clear my licensure. I understand the treatment quality, patient care and safety concerns displayed by the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) and the British Society of Dental Hygiene (BSDHT) regarding this route. It was the first thing that crossed my mind when I had initially heard about this option.3

However, I do feel that using the reasoning where the high failure rate of dentists sitting the ORE's Part 2 dental mannequin test, with an average failure rate of 50% and 69% at one sitting being particularly alarming, is one way to look at it. This evaluation does hold for 50% to 69% of dentists. But, the benefit of the doubt still applies to 31% to 50% of dentists. Those who would otherwise pass the rigorous exams are highly skilled, and they can be an asset in this route as well.

Hence, I feel the need to bring to your notice that dentists with few clinical skills as well as the aptly skilled are opting for this route. It is imperative to regulate this route as an opportunity to fill in the critical shortage of manpower in dentistry.4,5,6 Clinical assessment and official training can be among some options to help regulate the internationally qualified dentists entering through this route and integrate them into the workforce, which is equally important.

I sincerely feel that blocking this route due to the fear of substandard dental care will be like closing just another loophole without exploring the opportunities that could help make standard dental care accessible to many patients waiting on long lists.