The challenges facing asylum seekers in dentistry

This process can often feel more upsetting because of the extended periods of time you will have to wait while trying to continue your work and build similar routines in a new environment. Generally, these delays are caused by the amount of paperwork you are required to submit to access your profession in a new country. At times like these it’s important to remember to stay positive, the journey might seem complicated but, in the end, it’s going to be worth it.

The biggest challenges

I worked as a paediatric dentist in Ukraine for 16 years before having to relocate to the UK. I decided to start my journey as a dental hygienist and dental therapist, as I believed it would allow me to continue my work within a shorter timeframe. Paediatric dentistry is my passion. Children come to us in pain, unable to eat or sleep, and often scared. My life’s work has been improving their quality of life and making a difference. When I relocated, I knew it would be a long time before I would be able to practise again, however, I felt like I had a duty to continue my work and help children in a country that supported me during a very difficult time.

Throughout the course of my application, the biggest issue I faced was staying positive through such a long process. I applied for my GDC registration as a dental hygienist and dental therapist back in February 2023, and I had to complete more than 60 hours of CPD courses and provide a great number of forms along with an official translation of my 250 pages syllabus from dentistry school. This was a challenge, not only because it was quite costly but, as there is still an active war in Ukraine, it took around six months for me to receive the full document.

Even by choosing the dental hygienist and dental therapist route, I have still been waiting almost a year for my GDC registration. This is without preparing and undertaking the ORE or considering the time it took to gather all the documentation required. I was initially given a timeline of six months, but recently I was informed that the GDC are now working through applications from September 2022. This delay is further extending my timeline.

Facing the stress

Having to wait to get your life back on track can be extremely stressful. It's important to remind yourself to be patient and stay positive. The process might feel quite daunting, especially in the beginning. There is a lot of information you will have to provide for your application to sit the exam, along with certified translation of original copies, you will need to fully understand what is expected as part of the exam itself.

Do not be scared, take your time, and try to divide the work into manageable sections. This will help make the process feel less overwhelming. When being forced to relocate, we are often not doing it alone, so we feel a responsibility to our family to get our lives back as soon as possible. This pressure only adds stress to an already complicated situation.
Understanding from the start that this will be a long process is the first step, but finding a supportive community and building new routines will be incredibly helpful when trying to manage such a stressful situation.

The BDA’s support

When I first joined, I wasn’t aware of all the support I had available with my BDA membership. I knew of the BDA from attending international conferences and my work as Ukrainian Councillor for the European Academy of Paediatric Dentists, so I was happy to learn they offered free membership and support to those in a similar situation to mine.

This alone was a huge help for me, I was able to receive information and access resources to help me prepare my application, which helped me feel less alone. The asylum seeker and refugee membership is for everyone who has applied for or has been awarded Asylum Seeker or Refugee status and is working towards GDC registration as a dentist.

This membership will provide you with support throughout your professional journey, offering more than 166 hours of verifiable CPD per year, access the BDJ portfolio, and Europe’s largest dental library. The membership also provides entry to your local and national network of peers and access to a 24/7 support service and counselling for you, your spouse or a dependant. This can be a vital asset as you navigate particularly challenging situations while relocating.