Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what training is on offer for those with qualifications from the University of Nairobi, who are not refugees, to qualify for registration as a UK dental surgeon; [87427]
(2) for what reason dental qualifications from the University of Nairobi are not recognised for registration as a UK dental surgeon; and if he will make a statement. [87426]
§ Mr. LammyThe General Dental Council (GDC) may only register dentists who have satisfied the GDC that they have the requisite knowledge and skills to practise safely.
Accordingly, section 15 (1) of the Dental Act 1984 empowers the GDC to register as dentists graduates of a university dental school in the United Kingdom or any person who is a national of a member state of the European Economic Area and holds an appropriate European diploma. Section 16 of the Act empowers the GDC to set an examination for other dentists who trained abroad and are seeking registration here.
The national advice centre for post graduate education of dentists, which is located at the Royal College of Surgeons, advises dentists on how to acquire the training and experience required to sit the GDC's international qualifying examination.