LDS preparation course
Our LDS course prepares overseas-qualified dentists for the Licence in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the alternative route to the ORE.
About the exam
The Licence in Dental Surgery from RCS England, in three parts assessed against the GDC’s Safe Practitioner Framework. Part 2 must be passed within five years of Part 1.
- Parts
- Three
- Standard
- The GDC's Safe Practitioner Framework
- Time limit
- Pass Part 2 within five years of Part 1
- Part 3
- Parts 1 and 2 passed within the past five years
Who the course is for
Dentists qualified outside the UK seeking GDC registration through the LDS.
What you will study
Preparation for each part, from the written papers to the clinical assessments.
- Applied dental sciences
- Clinical dentistry across the disciplines
- Law, ethics and professionalism against the Safe Practitioner Framework
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Clinical and practical skills for the later parts
- Exam-style question practice for each part
What your course includes
- Live online classes. Every class is taught live by your tutor, with interactive sessions where you ask questions as you go.
- Recordings for 6 months. Missed a class on a night shift? Every session is recorded and stays available to you for six months.
- PDF notes from your tutor. Your tutor shares PDF notes for the course, so you revise from the same material you were taught.
- MCQ solving together. Your tutor works through exam-style questions with you and explains the reasoning behind each answer.
- Free mock exams. Mock exams in the format of your exam are included in your course at no extra cost.
- One-to-one classes. Prefer to study alone with a tutor? One-to-one classes are available for every course on request.
The green signal
Booking an exam too early is expensive. Your tutor follows your mock results and your work in class, and gives you the green signal when you are ready to book. The green signal is your tutor's honest judgement of your readiness. It is not a guarantee of a pass.
Where this exam fits
Two routes to GDC registration for overseas-qualified dentists: the GDC's Overseas Registration Exam, or the Licence in Dental Surgery from RCS England.
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English test
OET or IELTS Academic results that meet the GDC's current requirements.
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ORE or LDS This course
ORE: two computer-based papers, then practical clinical skills. LDS: three parts assessed against the GDC's Safe Practitioner Framework.
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GDC registration
Pass every part of your chosen exam, then apply to join the UK dental register.
Questions about LDS
Did the LDS change in 2026?
RCS England introduced a new Part 2 format from summer 2026. Part 1 and Part 3 keep their format, and passes in the earlier format still count.
Should I choose the LDS or the ORE?
Both lead to GDC registration. Message us and we will compare timing, cost and format for your situation.
Is there separate help for the later parts?
Yes. Part 2 help is offered separately from the main preparation course.
Join the next batch
Tell us your exam and your target date. We will reserve your seat in the December 2026 batch and send you the payment link.