EU dentists to have qualifications recognised within the UK

EU staff will have their qualifications and registration recognised in the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock says.

Up to 63,000 NHS staff who qualified in the EU will have their training by regulatory bodies in the UK.

The regulatory bodies this will apply to include:

General Dental Council

General Medical Council

Nursing and Midwifery Council

General Pharmaceutical Council

Health and Care Professions Council.

‘Every day across the health and social care system, our EU colleagues and friends make a difference to millions of lives,’ Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

‘This vital legislation means they will be able to continue work here, whatever the Brexit outcome.

‘My message to EU staff is clear – we all want you to feel valued and stay in the UK.

‘Today’s announcement builds on our NHS Long Term Plan’s commitment to recruit and retain a world-class workforce.

‘My priority is to make sure high standards are maintained across the healthcare system.

‘And that patients continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.

‘This legislation helps ensure that will continue to be the case.’

Brexit day

Employment contracts will not need to be changed if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Staff won’t have to re-apply for their current positions after ‘Brexit day’ either.

Health and social care workers will be able to continue practising in the UK as they do now.

‘We have been clear that we must continue to embrace the vital contribution of our talented colleagues from overseas in caring for our patients and communities,’ Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said.

‘We very much welcome the news that the UK will recognise the qualifications of EU professionals in a no-deal situation.

‘We would hope for similar confirmation of recognition for those with UK qualifications working in the EU.’

EU dentists leaving the UK

Almost a third of dentists from Europe are considering leaving the UK in the next few years.

That’s according to a report from the General Dental Council (GDC), published recently.

Despite this, the dental regulator claims it has seen no evidence of EEA-qualified dental professionals leaving UK registers.

‘Exploring the intentions of people who are currently able to work in UK healthcare because their qualifications are recognised under EU legislation is essential,’ head of regulatory intelligence at the GDC, David Teeman, said.

‘This research was undertaken before important issues have been resolved, such as recognition of qualifications, residency rights and access to the UK for existing and prospective dental professionals.

‘Once these issues are settled, we are planning a further round of research.

‘This will provide us with increased insight and aid us in our planning.

‘We recognise the information could be useful to others.

‘And will therefore be making it publicly available also.’

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