The Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Amendments to the Dentists Act 1984 U.K.

19.  In section 15 (qualification for registration in the dentists register)(1)—

(a) in subsection (1), omit the “and” following paragraph (a);

(b) in subsection (1)(c), for “overseas diplomas)).” substitute “overseas diplomas)); and”;

(c) after subsection (1)(c), insert—

“(d) any person who—

(i) holds a specified state qualification in dentistry that is not a relevant European diploma, and

(ii) has met the requirement specified in relation to that person under section 15ZA.”;

(d) after subsection (1A), insert—

“(1B) Subsection (1)(c)(ii) does not apply to a person who is entitled to be registered under subsection (1)(d).”;

(e) in subsection (2ZA), in paragraph (b)(ii), omit “(within the meaning given by section 12A(2))”;

(f) before subsection (3), insert—

“(2B) The Council may determine that a specified state qualification in dentistry does not meet the standard in subsection (2ZA)(b)(ii) only where one or more of Conditions 1 to 3 are met.

(2C) Condition 1 is met where there exists a substantial difference between the level of knowledge and skill demonstrated by the specified state qualification and the level of knowledge and skill demonstrated by a UK diploma in dentistry.

(2D) Condition 2 is met where the professional activities to which a UK diploma in dentistry relates include one or more professional activities that cover substantially different matters from those covered by the specified state qualification.

(2E) Condition 3 is met where requiring an applicant to take an aptitude test or to complete an adaptation period, or to do both, would amount to requiring the applicant to acquire a UK diploma in dentistry.”;

(g) at the end, insert—

“(8) In this section—

“adaptation period” means a period of practice, subject to an assessment and, where necessary, accompanied by further training, which is supervised by a registered dentist;

“aptitude test” means an assessment with the aim of determining whether a person has the requisite knowledge and skill;

“UK diploma in dentistry” has the meaning given by section 12A(2).”.

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 3 para. 19 in force at 1.12.2023, see reg. 1

(1)

Relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2007/3101, 2019/593, 2020/394 and 2023/162.