The General Dental Council’s (GDC) Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) is a crucial step for many internationally qualified dentists seeking registration to practise dentistry in the UK. However, the latest Part 2 results have highlighted the challenges candidates may face when demonstrating their clinical skills and readiness for UK practice.
According to a report published by Dentistry on 21 October 2026, the ORE Part 2 pass rate fell to 27% in September 2026, compared with 56% at the previous sitting in April 2026. The September examination was the first held under new contractual arrangements, with refreshed assessment content intended to reflect contemporary clinical practice.
The results have raised important questions for overseas-qualified dentists preparing for the ORE, particularly those planning their next steps towards General Dental Council registration.
The GDC has stated that the examination underwent quality assurance and that its analysis found the components performed reliably, examiners marked consistently and the pass standard was appropriately set.
In this guide, BritAsiaDoctors explains the latest ORE Part 2 results, the examination components candidates found challenging, what the changes mean for overseas dentists and how candidates can approach their preparation more effectively.
ORE Part 2 Pass Rate Falls from 56% to 27%
The September 2026 results represent a substantial decline compared with the previous ORE Part 2 sitting.
| ORE Part 2 sitting | Reported pass rate |
|---|---|
| Previous three sittings before April 2026 | 76–77% |
| April 2026 | 56% |
| September 2026 | 27% |
Source: Dentistry, 21 October 2026.
The figures show that the September pass rate was 29 percentage points lower than the April result. This is a fall of approximately 52% relative to the April pass rate, although the change is commonly described in the original report as a 29% drop.
The September sitting was the first under the new contractual arrangements for delivering the ORE. The GDC said the assessment content had been refreshed to reflect contemporary clinical practice.
However, the available figures do not establish that the revised content alone caused the lower pass rate. Candidates' results can be influenced by several factors, and the GDC has stated that the examination was subject to quality assurance.
For candidates preparing for future sittings, the results underline the importance of understanding the practical examination format and identifying areas where further preparation may be needed.
Which ORE Part 2 Components Were Most Challenging?
The ORE Part 2 examination assesses practical clinical skills across four components. Candidates must pass all four to achieve an overall pass.
The September 2026 results reported by Dentistry showed substantial differences between the components.
| ORE Part 2 component | September 2026 result |
|---|---|
| Medical emergencies exercise | 44% failure rate |
| Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) | 41% failure rate |
| Diagnosis and treatment planning | 96% pass rate |
Source: Dentistry, 21 October 2026.
The medical emergencies exercise had the highest reported failure rate, followed closely by the OSCE. In contrast, 96% of candidates passed the diagnosis and treatment planning exercise.
These results are useful indicators of where candidates may wish to review their preparation. However, they do not prove that every future sitting will have the same pattern or that every candidate should allocate the same amount of study time to each component.
1. Medical Emergencies Exercise
Medical emergencies are an important part of safe dental practice. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate that they can recognise emergencies, assess the situation, communicate effectively and respond appropriately within their level of competence.
Preparation should include reviewing current guidance, practising structured responses and becoming comfortable with the practical expectations of the assessment.
Candidates should use the official examination specification and relevant clinical guidance to determine the required knowledge and skills.
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The OSCE assesses practical skills through structured clinical stations. Depending on the station, candidates may need to demonstrate clinical reasoning, patient communication, assessment, decision-making or professional conduct.
Effective preparation involves more than memorising information. Candidates should practise applying their knowledge in realistic scenarios, communicating their reasoning clearly and completing tasks within the time available.
Reviewing feedback from previous practice sessions can help candidates identify weaknesses before the examination.
3. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The reported 96% pass rate for diagnosis and treatment planning was considerably higher than the pass rates implied by the failure figures for medical emergencies and the OSCE.
Candidates should still prepare thoroughly for this component. A strong result in one area does not compensate for failing another, because all four components must be passed for an overall ORE Part 2 pass.
What Has Changed Under the New ORE Contract?
The GDC signed new contractual arrangements with UCL Consultants Ltd in March 2026, with the first examinations under the new contract scheduled from August 2026.
The new contract introduced refreshed assessment content and changes to examination delivery. The GDC said the revised content was intended to reflect contemporary clinical practice.
The first year of the contract runs from 31 May 2026 to 30 May 2027. The GDC announced the following examination capacity for that year:
| Examination | Planned places in the first contract year |
|---|---|
| ORE Part 1 | 2,400 |
| ORE Part 2 | 944 |
The GDC also confirmed that Part 2 capacity would increase to 1,500 places by the third year of the contract.
Increased capacity is important because demand for the ORE has been high, and securing an examination place can be difficult. However, additional places do not guarantee that candidates will pass or that every candidate will obtain a place at their preferred sitting.
Candidates should check the GDC’s official website for the latest examination dates, capacity announcements, booking arrangements and fees.
What Does the ORE Part 2 Result Mean for Overseas Dentists?
For overseas-qualified dentists planning to practise in the UK, the latest results highlight the importance of treating the ORE as a structured clinical assessment rather than simply another written examination.
A candidate may have considerable experience in their home country and still need to adapt to the specific format and expectations of the UK assessment.
The examination is designed to assess whether a dentist has the competence, skills and knowledge required to practise safely, including the professional conduct and ethical standards expected of members of the dental team.
The September 2026 results should not be interpreted as evidence that overseas dentists are less capable. They relate to a particular examination sitting and do not establish the reasons behind each candidate's result.
Candidates should instead use the available information to review their preparation, understand the examination requirements and make a realistic plan for their next attempt if necessary.
How Can Candidates Prepare More Effectively for ORE Part 2?
The latest results offer candidates an opportunity to review how they prepare for the practical examination.
1. Understand the official examination specification
Start with the GDC's official ORE guidance and the examination provider's current information. Confirm the components, assessment requirements, rules and any updates relevant to your sitting.
2. Practise clinical scenarios, not just theory
Practical assessments require candidates to apply knowledge under examination conditions. Use realistic scenarios to practise clinical reasoning, communication, decision-making and structured responses.
3. Review medical emergencies carefully
Given the reported failure rate in September 2026, candidates may wish to pay particular attention to medical emergencies preparation. Use current, recognised clinical guidance and practise applying it to realistic scenarios.
4. Build confidence with OSCE-style stations
Practise explaining your reasoning, communicating with patients and completing structured tasks within the allotted time. Feedback from a suitably experienced tutor or mentor may help identify areas that need improvement.
5. Use feedback from previous attempts
Candidates who receive detailed feedback should review it carefully and identify the specific competencies that need further work. A targeted preparation plan is generally more useful than repeating the same study routine without evaluating its effectiveness.
6. Check the number of attempts available
The GDC states that candidates can attempt each part of the ORE up to four times. Candidates should understand the applicable attempt limits and the time limit for completing Part 2 after first attempting Part 1.
7. Plan around examination availability
ORE places are in high demand. Candidates should monitor official booking announcements, check eligibility and deadlines and avoid relying on unverified information about future examination dates.
The GDC does not endorse or quality-assure ORE preparation courses. Candidates should assess any course independently before paying for it.
Can You Retake ORE Part 2 If You Fail?
Yes. The GDC states that candidates are allowed up to four attempts at each part of the ORE.
However, there are important conditions. Candidates must pass ORE Part 2 within five years of first attempting ORE Part 1. If a candidate fails either part four times, they cannot take that part again.
Candidates who are unsuccessful should read their results and feedback carefully, confirm their remaining attempts and review the official rules before planning another sitting.
The GDC's guidance should always be treated as the definitive source for current attempt limits and eligibility requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Register as a Dentist in the UK Through the ORE?
The time required varies according to the candidate's circumstances, preparation, examination availability and results.
The GDC explains that candidates who pass both parts on their first attempt could complete the examination process in around six to 12 months. However, high demand for examination places can extend the overall timeline, and candidates who need resits may take longer.
Passing the ORE is not the only administrative step. Candidates must also follow the GDC's registration process and satisfy the applicable requirements before joining the register.
For this reason, overseas dentists should plan their UK career timelines realistically and avoid assuming that a particular examination date will lead to registration by a guaranteed date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the ORE Part 2 pass rate in September 2026?
The ORE Part 2 pass rate was 27% in September 2026, compared with 56% at the previous sitting in April 2026, according to the figures reported by Dentistry.
2. Why did the ORE Part 2 pass rate fall in 2026?
The September 2026 sitting was the first under the new contractual arrangements and included refreshed assessment content. The GDC stated that quality assurance found the components performed reliably, examiners marked consistently and the pass standard was appropriate. The available information does not establish that the revised content alone caused the lower pass rate.
3. Which ORE Part 2 component had the highest failure rate?
The medical emergencies exercise had the highest reported failure rate in September 2026, at 44%. The OSCE had a reported failure rate of 41%.
4. Do candidates need to pass every ORE Part 2 component?
Yes. ORE Part 2 consists of four components, and candidates must pass all four to receive an overall pass.
5. How many times can a candidate attempt the ORE?
The GDC allows up to four attempts at each part. Candidates must also pass Part 2 within five years of first attempting Part 1.
6. How many ORE Part 2 places are planned for the first year of the new contract?
The GDC announced 944 Part 2 places in the first contract year, with capacity planned to increase to 1,500 places by the third year.
7. Does passing the ORE automatically register a dentist with the GDC?
Passing both parts is a key requirement for candidates using the ORE route, but candidates must still follow the GDC's registration process and satisfy the applicable requirements before joining the register.
8. Where can overseas dentists find official ORE information?
Candidates should use the GDC's official ORE pages for examination guidance, results, booking dates, fees, attempt limits and registration information.
Conclusion
The fall in the ORE Part 2 pass rate to 27% in September 2026 is an important development for internationally qualified dentists planning to register in the UK.
The results highlight the challenges candidates faced in that sitting, particularly in the medical emergencies exercise and OSCE. They also come at a time when the ORE is operating under new contractual arrangements and the GDC is working to expand examination capacity.
Candidates should not assume that the latest results predict future pass rates or that the revised assessment content alone explains the decline. Instead, they should use official guidance, understand the assessment requirements and prepare systematically for each component.
For overseas dentists, successful ORE preparation remains an important step towards a UK dental career. Keeping up to date with GDC announcements and planning carefully around examination availability can help candidates make informed decisions about their next steps.
Sources & Further Reading
-
Dentistry – ORE pass rate drops by 29%
https://dentistry.co.uk/2026/10/21/ore-pass-rate-drops-by-29/ -
General Dental Council – ORE preparation and results
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/overseas-registration-exam/ore-results -
General Dental Council – About the ORE
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/overseas-registration-exam/about-the-ore -
General Dental Council – First ORE sittings and fees under new contract confirmed
https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/news/detail/2026/05/06/first-ore-sittings-and-fees-under-new-contract-confirmed -
General Dental Council – ORE booking dates
https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/overseas-registration-exam/ore-booking-dates
Editorial note: This article is for general information and career-planning purposes. Examination arrangements, fees, capacity and registration requirements can change. Candidates should verify the latest information directly with the General Dental Council before making decisions.
