The Changes in UK Legislation and What It Means for Specialist Practitioners

As of 22 July 2025, major reforms to the UK’s immigration system came into force — profoundly affecting overseas dental professionals and specialist practitioners.

End of Visa Sponsorship for Dental Roles

The Skilled Worker Visa eligibility has been strengthened, raising the minimum threshold to RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree BDS or equivalent). Therefore, dentist currently holding such degree-level qualifications, already meeting the new threshold and with salaries already exceeding the increased minimum thresholds, will be unaffected by the new rules.

Consequently, as of the 22nd July, new overseas visas for various roles will no longer be eligible for new sponsorship including:

-        Dental Technicians (SOC 3213)

-        Dental Nurses (SOC 6133)

-        Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (often under SOC 3213 or 3219)

The afore mentioned roles aren’t included in the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or the Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

It’s not all doom and gloom however,

Existing visa holders already working in such positions whose roles were previously sponsored but remain below the new threshold can still be renewed or extended under transitional rules – if they maintain continuous status.

Ultimately the impact of this swift change will be the significant reduction in the number of overseas candidates eligible for new roles in the UK dental sector, deepening workforce shortages, as warned by The British Dental Association (BDA).

 

Dentists Exempt from Changes but Affected Indirectly

Already qualified dentists remain eligible to apply for skilled worker Visas under SOC code 2253.

Furthermore, overseas-trained dentists remain fully eligible for both the Health and Care Worker Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa (subject to usual employer sponsorship and GDC registration).

However, the earlier access to support roles, such as dental nurses, used by overseas dentists as stepping stones has been removed – reducing flexibility in their career pathway.

 

Provisional Registration: A New Pathway for Overseas Dentists

The government is advancing Provisional Registration (PR) under an amendment to the Dentist Act 1984. PR enables overseas-qualified dentists to practice in the UK under supervision, without needing to pass the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) or the Licensing Examination (LDS) first.

Conditions that come with the PR route: registration with PR status, working under a fully GDC registered dentist, time-limited practice, and adherence to GDC supervision standards.

Benefits:

-        Provides critical dental workforce support.

-        Helps dentists adapt to UK standards and practice environments.

-        Reduces delays caused by ORE backlogs.

-        Gives practices a chance to bring in new faces when shorthanded.

While the Provisional Registration (PR) is yet to be passed through parliament, the consultation closed on 19th May 2024 and they haven’t been given a timeline, however it is still in discussions and is still very much a possibility within 12 – 24 months.

Looking at the wider picture, when this legislation regarding Visa Sponsorship comes in to affect, it will create more urgency for the GDC to push forward to making the PR route a more viable option. While we are focused on the effect it will have on our overseas dentists, there is a vast number of workers across multiple industries, for example overseas healthcare workers. As a result, a massive shortfall of skilled workers will be created in the UK.

 

Why These Changes in Legislation Matter

 The occurring ban on sponsoring key roles risks deepening an access crisis, potentially worsening an already long-standing shortage of clinical staff & healthcare professionals.

The backlog and waiting times for Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) s remain high, with multitude of professionals unable to practice despite having the skills & qualifications, resulting in workforce wastage.

While the Provisional Registration (PR) route sounds promising, it must be carefully structure & implemented to maintain patient safety – supervision frameworks, time limits, and training will be critical factors and must be overseen as such.

 

What This Means for Specialist Practitioners & Dental Practices

Role: Dental Hygienists/Therapist/Nurses/Technicians - Key Change: No new Visa Sponsorship - Practical Effect: Practices must prioritise domestic hires or existing Visa holders.

Role: Overseas Qualified Dentists - Key Change: Provisional Registration Route - Practical Effect: New supervised practice path without ORE upfront

Role: Dental Practices - Key Change: Recruitment Strategy Shift - Practical Effect: Focus on UK talent and provisional registrants

Summary & Key Actions

For overseas clinicians:  If you’re an aspiring dental therapists / nurse, traditional UK roles may not be viable until 2026 (Temporary Shortage List). However, dentists can explore the Provisional Registration route or aim towards completing their ORE.

For UK practices and employers: Adapt recruitment to align with new regulation: use provisional registrants, retain current visa holders, and prepare for great reliance on domestic talent. Also, take advantage of recruitment agencies that are ahead of the curve having already taken the changes into consideration when finding professional candidates.

For policymakers and the profession: Speed up provisional registration framework and ORE capacity & completion enhancements to prevent skill wastage and healthcare shortages.

 

In conclusion, the July changes mar a sharp shift in the UK immigration and dental policy – one that raises stakes for specialist practitioners and the healthcare system. But the introduction of Provisional Registration (PR), if implemented well, offers a viable route to bridge gaps and support workforce growth – while maintaining standards.

As a leading team of recruiters in the dental sector, Fastnet Group continues to face these challenges head on. We are able to support practices and skilled professionals seeking clarity on how these changes in legislation will affect both their approach to acquiring new practitioners and individuals’ eligibility for roles in the UK.

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