Complete ORE Part 1 Syllabus & Exam Guide (2026)
Comprehensive breakdown of GDC ORE Part 1 Papers A & B, Prometric test centers, scoring criteria, and preparation strategy for overseas dentists.
1. What is the ORE Part 1?
The Overseas Registration Examination (ORE) Part 1 is the first hurdle for dentists who qualified outside the UK/EEA seeking registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). Passing the ORE allows foreign-trained dental professionals to practice independently or under foundation training in the United Kingdom.
Part 1 is designed to test your theoretical knowledge and clinically applied dental science to ensure it meets the standard expected of a UK dental graduate entering foundation practice (*Preparing for Practice* learning outcomes).
2. Exam Structure & Format
The exam is divided into two separate papers taken over two sessions on the same day or consecutive days:
- Paper A (Biomedical Sciences & Clinical Dentistry): 100 questions (2 hours).
- Paper B (Law, Ethics, Public Health & UK Guidelines): 100 questions (2 hours).
Questions follow Single Best Answer (SBA) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQ) formats. Every question has 5 options with 1 unequivocally correct answer based on current UK evidence-based dentistry guidelines.
3. Syllabus Breakdown
Paper A Focus Areas:
- Human Disease & General Pathology: Cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematological diseases relevant to dental surgical practice.
- Oral Surgery & Local Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic pharmacology (lidocaine, articaine), exodontia techniques, impactions, and nerve injuries.
- Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics & Periodontology: Pulp biology, root canal instrumentation, periodontal risk scoring (BSP BPE), and crown margins.
- Dental Radiology: CGDent/FGDP radiation protection, IRMER 2017 regulations, and radiographic diagnosis.
Paper B Focus Areas:
- GDC Standards: The 9 GDC ethical principles for dental professionals (Patient autonomy, Consent, Confidentiality, Duty of Candour).
- SDCEP Guidelines: Decontamination of dental instruments (HTM 01-05), antibiotic prescribing, and emergency management.
- Medical Emergencies (Resuscitation Council UK & BNF): Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, syncope, hypoglycemia, and emergency drug dosages.
- Legal Frameworks: Mental Capacity Act 2005, Gillick competence for minors, and safeguarding vulnerable adults.
4. Scoring Standard & Passing Criteria
The GDC uses a modified Angoff standard-setting method to establish the pass mark for each exam sitting. Typically, candidates need between 50% and 60% on each paper.
Crucial Rule: You must pass BOTH Paper A and Paper B in the same sitting. If you pass one paper but fail the other, you must retake both papers at your next attempt.
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Try Free Diagnostic Quiz →5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the ORE Part 1 exam?
ORE Part 1 consists of two computer-based papers: Paper A (Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Dentistry) and Paper B (Law, Ethics, Public Health, and UK Guidelines). Each paper contains 100 Single Best Answer (SBA) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQ) and lasts 2 hours.
Where is ORE Part 1 delivered?
ORE Part 1 is delivered electronically at official Prometric test centres in the UK and internationally.
What is the pass mark for ORE Part 1?
The pass mark is determined for each sitting using a standard-setting method (modified Angoff algorithm), usually ranging between 50% and 60%. Candidates must pass BOTH Paper A and Paper B in the same sitting.