Ireland’s Dental Council recognises language test

The Occupational English Test (OET) is now recognised by the Dental Council of Ireland.

The move will give a wider range of overseas-trained dental professionals the opportunity to prove their proficiency in the English language when applying for professional registration or Dental Council Examinations.

‘Adding OET to our accepted list of options gives professionals further avenues to prove their English language competency in a variety of locations,’ said David O’Flynn, Dental Council registrar.

The OET is an international English language test that assesses the language skills of healthcare professionals seeking to register and practise in an English-speaking environment.

It is recognised by healthcare regulators in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Dubai, Namibia and Ukraine for registration purposes.

The OET is also used for immigration and visas in Australia and New Zealand.

The OET is also accepted by healthcare educators for admission and exit assessment of English language skills.

OET CEO Sujata Stead said: ‘We commend the Dental Council for their commitment to the healthcare sector in Ireland.

‘Unlike other English tests, OET test materials are based on real healthcare scenarios so educators and employers can be confident that successful candidates have the level of English communication skills required for safe and high-quality patient care’.

The Dental Council’s guidance on language proficiency states that applicants ‘must be proficient in the English language to obtain registration’.

It accepts both the OET and IELTS certificates as proof.