Brexit and dentistry

Abstract

BACKGROUND The United Kingdom originally joined the early incarnation of the EU (the European Community or Common Market) in 1973. 2 This was confirmed by popular consent in the referendum of 1975. 3 At the time, the organisation consisted only of Western European countries. Greece joined in 1981, followed by Portugal and Spain in 1986. The 1990s saw the addition of Austria, Sweden and Finland. Finally, many of the countries of Eastern Europe joined in two batches-2004 (8 countries) and 2007 (Bulgaria and Romania). The last country to join was Croatia in 2013. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The EU directive (PQD) 2005/36 EC 4 (recently incorporated into UK law 5) on the recognition of professional qualifications for dentists, allows dentists to freely work in other member states subject to approval by the local competent authority; in the case of the UK, that is the GDC. The term EEA (European Economic Area) includes the countries of Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein who have similar rights of access but are not EU members. The terms EU and EEA are used interchangeably here.

The career intentions, work-life balance and retirement plans of UK dental undergraduates

“…The vast majority are UK trained, with very few numbers registered under EU primary qualifications. 4 Their career intentions, work like balance and retirement plans will also play a role in the future UK dental workforce.…”

“…The number of new entrants to the GDC from outside the UK outnumbers those registering with qualifications from UK dental schools. 4 Furthermore, there is already an oversaturation of dentists in many urban areas and scarcity of dentists in some rural areas. 4 However, a decrease in the number EU dentists may increase the number of jobs available to UK graduates.…”

Orthodontics: Allergic to the orthodontist?

“…2 With the result of the recent European Union (EU) referendum, however, it is not known how labour regulations will affect the dental industry in the UK. 3 It is possible that when the UK officially leaves the EU, dental qualifications obtained within the EEA countries may no longer be recognised by the GDC, and there may be an additional requirement to sit the ORE (Overseas Registration Examination) before being eligible for registration. In addition, it is important to be aware that the tuition fees are significantly higher and a student loan is unavailable.…”

The last of my kind?

“…3 It is possible that when the UK officially leaves the EU, dental qualifications obtained within the EEA countries may no longer be recognised by the GDC, and there may be an additional requirement to sit the ORE (Overseas Registration Examination) before being eligible for registration. In addition, it is important to be aware that the tuition fees are significantly higher and a student loan is unavailable.…”