If you want to hire a dentist from overseas, the Skilled Worker visa is almost always the route, and as the employer you are at the centre of it. Sponsorship is not just paperwork the dentist handles. It is a responsibility your practice takes on. Here is what that actually involves.

First, the sponsor licence

Before you can sponsor anyone, your practice needs a Home Office sponsor licence. The licence is what allows you to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, and your licence number appears on every certificate you issue. Without it, no Skilled Worker visa is possible.

The Certificate of Sponsorship

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record with a reference number that you assign to the dentist. They must then apply for their Skilled Worker visa within three months of it being assigned, so timing the certificate against their other steps matters.

Eligibility and English

  • Since 22 July 2025 the role must normally be skilled to graduate level. Dentistry qualifies.
  • A minimum salary requirement applies; the current figure should be checked on gov.uk.
  • From 8 January 2026, new applicants must show English at level B2.
  • Separately, the dentist needs GDC registration, which has its own English requirement.

Sponsorship is an ongoing duty

A sponsor licence carries record-keeping and reporting obligations to the Home Office, and failing them puts the licence at risk. This is the part practices most often underestimate, and the part Dentello manages on your behalf.

Doing it without the burden

Dentello assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship each dentist needs and manages the visa application and the ongoing sponsor duties, alongside GDC registration and the NHS number, all timed to line up. You get the dentist; we carry the compliance. There is no upfront fee. Talk to the team to start.

Frequently asked questions

What does a practice need to sponsor a dentist?+

A Home Office sponsor licence, which lets the practice assign a Certificate of Sponsorship. The dentist then applies for the Skilled Worker visa within three months of the certificate being assigned.

Does dentistry qualify for the Skilled Worker visa?+

Yes. Since 22 July 2025 the job must normally be skilled to graduate level, and dentistry is a graduate profession, so it meets the skill threshold. A minimum salary requirement also applies; check gov.uk for the current figure.

What English level does a sponsored dentist need?+

For a first Skilled Worker application on or after 8 January 2026, at least level B2. Separately, GDC registration carries its own English language requirement, usually IELTS Academic 7.0.

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