Overseas Dental Candidates
The UK is one of the most vibrant and embracing countries of the world but it can also be one of the most daunting ones, so here are a few tips...
Working in the Dental Profession
Please get your qualifications assessed and approved by the GDC ww.gdc-uk.org in advance of you coming to the UK so that you can start working immediately as soon as you arrive.
Visas
Most importantly, you will need a visa to work in the UK if you do not hold a passport from a European country. Obviously there are many types - working holiday, ancestry, spouse, resident, business...To find out if you are eligible, please visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Getting around
Always carry an umbrella and we recommend you use www.google.com/maps to check your route before starting your journey, all routes offer written and graphic directions. Google also has a feature called ‘street view' which allows you to view your destination and it surroundings as they would appear in real life.
The tube (London Underground) is the easiest way to get about town particularly in central London. The London transport also operates buses and the British over ground rail system. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more info or if you are stuck you can always call 020 7222 1234 for your most direct route. To find your way by car or foot, try www.streetmap.co.uk
Medical
You will need to register at a local doctor when you arrive here. You can obtain a list through your borough to make an appointment. To work in the dental profession in the UK it is essential that you have your Hepatitis B & all childhood illnesses immunisations. We will need a copy of these, as practices will require proof in order for you to work with them.
Uniform
You must have a uniform to wear as a dental nurse in a practice. If you need one we can recommend www.alexandra.co.uk to help you out.
Accomodation
Where are you going to live? Most of our jobs are in London but Tempdent will be able to find you work, no matter where you live, so it is really a matter of personal choice. If you are after a house share try visiting www.gumtree.com easyroommate.com or www.roombuddies.com
Bank account
You wont be able to set up a bank account before you arrive in the UK and besides...you wont need one anyway! You should however, make sure you bring with you a recent bank statement or a reference letter from your bank. Once you have a job and eligibility to work in the UK you can open an account at any of the High St banks www.lloydstsb.com , www.hsbc.co.uk, www.natwestbank.co.uk or www.barclays.co.uk Otherwise there are many other smaller banks you will find when you get here.
National Insurance Number
You will not need this when you immediately arrive in the UK. Once you have started working, you can make an appointment at your local national insurance office to arrange a permanent NI number. In the mean time, you will be issued with a temporary number by your employer (your birth date) and will be on emergency tax that you can claim back once you have a permanent number. Visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
Life in London
There is so much to do in London. Here are some websites to help and inspire you
London Evening Standard www.thisislondon.com
London Timeout Magazine www.timeout.com/london
Expedia Travel www.expedia.co.uk
Ryanair budget airlines www.ryanair.com
Lastminute www.lastminute.com
Easyjet www.easyjet.com
London Tickets www.ticketmaster.co.uk
TNT - Guide to life in the UK www.tntmagazine.com
FISH 4 www.fish4homes.co.uk
SquareMeal - Directory of UK Restaurants www.squaremeal.co.uk
Virtual guide to London www.londonnet.co.uk
London tourist information www.londontown.com
Tourism around Britain www.visitbritain.com