International dentists recruitment: good practice for trusts

This guidance provides advice to employers when recruiting dentists internationally.

Introduction

The Department of Health (DH) launched an initiative in May 2004 which included the recruitment of general dental practitioners from abroad, particularly Poland, Spain and Germany. The initiative was extremely successful and by October 2005 216 Polish and 297 other international dentists had taken up posts in the NHS.

NHS Jobs has proved effective in supporting employers to fill posts in the NHS. The service has recently been developed to allow smaller employers, such as dental practices, to manage recruitment independently of the PCT. Further guidance on this devolved recruitment functionality is available from the NHS Jobs website.

NHS Employers provides advice and guidance to help trusts through the process of recruiting overseas staff.

Registration requirements for international candidates

All dentists have to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) before being able to practice.

European Economic Area (EEA) dentists do have automatic registration providing their qualification has been gained within the EEA.

Accession states may have to satisfy additional criteria (usually need to have practiced for three of the last five years)

Non-EEA dentists will need to pass the International Qualifying Exam in order to gain registration.

The International Qualifying Exam is in three parts which is administered by the GDC, including written and practical tests.

In addition to GDC registration, all candidates, once they have secured a post, will need to apply for a local NHS number. Employers will need to support the dentists.

Language

Candidates who qualify outside the EEA will need to pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 6.5 is required in each section, with an overall average of 7.

Candidates from within the EEA need to have been assessed as having reached the standard of one of the recognised tests contained in this guidance.

Workers Registration Scheme

Dentists from new member states (Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia) will need to register with the Workers Registration Scheme (WRS). Applications for WRS need to be made within 28 days of starting employment or working will be deemed as illegal.

Resource material

South West Lincolnshire Teaching PCT was supported by the DH in producing a learning resource pack for recruiting Spanish dentists. It contains a wide range of materials, advice, a model job description and contract, potential costs etc.

Interviews

It is important to remember that dentistry practiced around the world varies considerably. During the interview explore and find out what the areas of difference are in order that an appropriate development plan can be formulated to meet the individual's needs to successfully undertake the role.

Pre-employment checks

NHS employers who recruit staff from abroad should carry out the necessary pre-appointment checks in accordance with NHS Employers safer recruitment guidance.

Work permit/visa

In addition to being registered with the GDC, dentists who wish to work within the NHS must possess a work permit/visa. It is the responsibility of your organisation to arrange a work permit for your successful candidate.

Induction

A sound and comprehensive induction must be in place. It ensures that the international dentists are able to settle into their new environment as quickly as possible. It helps raise confidence and provides a familiarity with the practices of the NHS.