Dental Workforce Development – International Graduates

The first step is to successfully complete the two parts of the Overseas Registration Exam to gain General Dental Council (GDC) registration as a dentist. Once this is completed, the individual should apply to go on the national performers list via Primary Care Support England (PCSE). Useful information about this can be found at:

When ready then use PCSS: Login (england.nhs.uk) to register as a performers list applicant for the region you wish to enter the list on. Please see the guide below for completing the application.

Performer List Application Guide

It is very helpful to have already found a supporting practice who can then support with the required supervision and mentoring.

The application will be processed by PCSE and they will reach out to the local NHSE team for the region to which the application relates. A clinical dental advisor will arrange to meet to discuss previous dental experience and the educational activities the individual has already undertaken.

This will lead to the development of an Educational Clinical Support Plan which enables the individual to enter the performer list with a probationary flag. This allows them to work as an NHS dentist during a probationary period whilst they complete some activities that the advisor and the individual have agreed on.

The purpose of the activities is to support them to develop any knowledge or skills required to work confidently and competently within the current NHS framework.

NHSE Workforce Training and Education Directorate provide a comprehensive, quality assured, range of workforce training for dental professionals. The Introduction to NHS courses are aimed at developing and maintaining skills, knowledge and competencies, across multiple domains in order to meet the requirements to secure an NHS Performer List number without conditions. All courses are delivered by subject matter experts via online webinars. They are facilitated by the Training Programme Director for the former Performer List Validation by Experience (PLVE) Programme who as an experienced dentist is available to offer support.

A link is sent to participants booked on the course on the day.

To book or explore other suitable courses, please visit the booking system Maxcourse and make an account: http://www.maxcourse.co.uk/heetvw/guestHome.asp

Then put ‘Introduction’ into the search function to view the current list of courses.

Please see the guidance and criteria to be eligible to supervise a dentist:

SE DPL6 Supporting Dentist Eligibility Criteria

SEDPL6 Guidance for Supervisors of Dentists with Agreement Terms 2023 v9

Conditions for being a supervisor may be subject to change, and the Professional Standards Team continue to review these to enable practices to support International Dental Graduates.

Being a mentor is hugely rewarding and a wonderful way to welcome the skills of colleagues form diverse backgrounds into the NHS workforce. NHSE Workforce Training and Education Directorate provides a course to develop your skills to support colleagues who are new to the NHS. 

To book on the next course or explore other suitable courses, please visit the booking system Maxcourse and make an account: http://www.maxcourse.co.uk/heetvw/guestHome.asp

Here are some useful documents and further reading:

1. Example of agreement terms: DPL Agreement Terms example

2. Educational/Clinical Support Plan (ECSP) Template: DPL ECSP Table Template

3. Refection Template: Reflection template

4. Educational Activities Log: Educational Activities Log June 2023 V.1