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Foreign Dentists Face Exam Hurdles in UK
29 Jul
Summary
- Qualified dentists cannot practice due to exams.
- Shortage exists while skilled professionals wait.
- Government is working to expand opportunities.
Qualified dentists from overseas are experiencing profound frustration in the UK, unable to practice their profession despite a national dental shortage. Hamza Ryad, a dentist with two years of experience in Pakistan, shared his "humiliating" situation in Birmingham. He cannot work in the UK until he passes one of two highly competitive exams.
Ryad has attempted to book these essential exams three times since arriving in the UK in 2023 but has been unsuccessful in securing a place. He highlighted the system's failure, noting that skilled professionals are underutilized, working in roles such as care workers or delivery drivers.
The government has stated it is actively expanding opportunities for foreign-registered dentists to help address NHS backlogs. Ryad expressed that a more efficient approach is necessary, emphasizing that the current situation represents a significant systemic failure.
