The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) was pleased to participate in the Dental Leadership Network (DLN)meeting on 30 June, where international dentistry was the central theme. The event, organised by the General Dental Council (GDC), brought together leaders from across the profession to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities in strengthening the UK’s international dental workforce.
On the eve of the ADG’s Annual Conference in Gloucestershire, Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the ADG, attended the latest DLN session, reflecting the Association’s ongoing commitment to workforce reform and international recruitment.
Neil Carmichael, ADG’s Exec Chair said: “International dentistry is now firmly recognised as central to the future of the UK workforce, and the discussion at the Dental Leadership Network made that abundantly clear. The expansion of ORE and LDS is a genuinely encouraging step forward, a sign of Government, the Royal College of Surgeons and the GDC working together with real purpose. There is still work to do on implementation, but the momentum is unmistakable, and the profession is increasingly aligned behind the need to welcome, support and value international colleagues.”
“The Dental Leadership Network continues to play an important role in bringing together leaders who are committed to strengthening dentistry at a time of significant workforce pressure.
“It was excellent to see ADG members contributing so constructively, demonstrating how dental groups can provide the support, training and stability international recruits need to thrive. The ADG has consistently campaigned for fair and decent treatment of international dentists and DCPs, and it is encouraging to see this principle gaining wider traction across the sector.”
ADG members MyDentist and SGA (Dr Gauri Pradhan and Dr Shivani Bhandari) also contributed to the discussion, offering practical insight from the frontline of group dentistry.
Delegates welcomed the expansion of ORE and LDS capacity, a long‑awaited development that marks a significant step forward in modernising routes to registration for internationally qualified dentists. The GDC outlined the first phase of increased sittings, improved operational processes, and clearer pathways for candidates, all supported by Government and sector partners.
The ADG recognised the excellent work of the Department of Health and Social Care, including Stephen Kinnock MP, and the Royal College of Surgeons (Faculty of Dentistry), in helping the GDC deliver this step‑change. Whilst implementation challenges remain, the direction of travel is firmly established, and momentum is clearly building.
MyDentist presented a compelling overview of how dental groups are uniquely positioned to support international recruits, from training and clinical onboarding to domestic arrangements and pastoral care. Their contribution demonstrated how scale, structure and modern workforce planning can accelerate safe, effective integration into UK practice.
Dr Gauri Pradhan, representing the International Dental Organisation (IDO), highlighted ongoing process issues but emphasised the importance of the profession welcoming and supporting international colleagues. Her message echoed the ADG’s long‑standing position: that fair, decent and respectful treatment of international dentists and DCPs is essential for a sustainable workforce.
