The government has announced plans to boost places on two professional dental registration exams.
Currently, thousands of qualified dentists who are often already living in the UK are unable to practise because of limited exam capacity.
Thanks to the change, 2,400 more overseas-trained dentists could be registered annually.
New government investment will increase final exam places run by the Royal College of Surgeons of England tenfold, meaning up to 1,350 overseas-trained dentists could join the General Dental Council (GDCs) annually by 2028.
Meanwhile, the General Dental Council will significantly expand the number of places of its Overseas Registration Exam (ORE), so that more than 1,000 overseas-trained dentists can join the register.
There will also be an increase in training places for 'home-grown' dentists, prioritising areas that do not currently train dentists.
Health Minister, Stephen Kinnock said: "No-one in the 21st century should be left in a situation where they cannot access a dentist.
"That is why today’s announcement is crucial, as training more dentists and allowing greater numbers of those qualified overseas to practise, will put more patients in dental chairs, receiving care when they need it most.
"These investments show this government is serious about rebuilding NHS dentistry and laying the foundations to make it fit for the future."
Tom Whiting, Chief Executive and Registrar at the GDC said: "Our top priority has been to increase the capacity of the ORE, and I’m pleased that we can offer greater certainty and scale through this new contract. This is good news for candidates.
"More ORE places, along with more students at dental schools and the increase in capacity for the LDS, is great news for the dental workforce and, in turn, patients and the public.
"Sustainable change requires a long-term plan, and working with others, we are committed to playing our part, to support any workforce strategy, including building a comprehensive framework to support international recruitment."
