For newly qualified dental therapists, completing Dental Therapy Foundation Training in the South West is an excellent way to build confidence, refine clinical skills, and transition into an independent practitioner.
The Dental Therapy Foundation Training programme provides supervised clinical experience, mentorship from experience clinicians, protected learning time, and opportunities to develop leadership skills.
Training in the South West offers the added benefit of working within supportive dental communities across vibrant cities, coastal towns, and rural practices, allowing dental therapists to gain a broad and varied experience whilst enjoying an exceptional quality of life. With its strong professional networks, welcoming practices, and beautiful surroundings, the South West is an ideal place to begin a rewarding and fulfilling dental therapy career.
Educational Supervisor Applications – Supporting the Next Generation of Dental Therapists
An Educational Supervisor (ES) plays a central role in the development, support, and success of Dental Therapy Foundation Trainees. As an ES you will provide mentorship, clinical guidance, and structured educational support to newly qualified dental therapists, helping them to transition into independent practitioners.
Dentists or Dental Therapists can apply to be a dental therapy foundation trainer ES. Dentists who are Dental Foundation Trainer ESs can additionally apply and support both the dental foundation trainees and the dental therapy foundation trainees. Separate ES applications for Dental Therapy Foundation Training will open from 14th February 2026 to Monday 17th March 2026. Application form can be found here (insert link).
Please return the completed application form to England.dentaltherapy.sw@nhs.net
ESs for the Dental Therapy Foundation Training scheme are expected to be available for three days per week to:
- Mentor and support the dental therapist
- Provide advice and assistance to the dental therapist
- Offer constructive feedback to promote development
- Help complete the e-portfolio
- Undertake work-based assessments
- Provide a minimum of one hours protected learning time every other week
- Complete written reports at key milestones to support satisfactory completion of the programme
- Attend training and scheme meetings
- Ensure the dental therapist gains experience to their full scope of practice
Funding for Dental Therapy Foundation Training:
The practice is paid quarterly to cover the following:
- The Band 6 NHS Agenda for Change Salary to cover the dental therapist working three days per week (two clinical days and one study day per week) £29,578 for 3 days a week pro rata, based on current agenda for change.
- On costs to cover NI contributions, pension etc. £5,517.81 – Subject to change
- An ES trainers grant £9,741
The practice gets to keep all income generated by the Dental Therapist. Extra UDAs may be available from NHS England.
If you would like any further information on the Dental Therapy Foundation Training Scheme in the South West please contact England.dentaltherapy.sw@nhs.net
