Where will I work?
The training practices and services have been carefully selected through a rigorous selection procedure. Prospective trainers must demonstrate a commitment to training and education as well as having been judged to offer both guidance and the environment necessary to provide good training experience. We are proud to have a mix of settings including the community dental services, special care dental services and general dental practices across the region.
Who will supervise me?
Educational Supervisors (ES) are either experience dental therapists or dentists and may have experience as Dental Foundation Training ESs. The role of the ES is to provide support to you; this will be in the form of clinical support where necessary, one-to-one teaching in the form of tutorials as well as advice and assistance with non-clinical issues.
How many days will I work?
The scheme is typically for 3 days per week for a full calendar year (1st September to 31st August). Typically this will involve two clinical days and one study day per week but this is subject to change with sufficient notice.
As your commitment to the scheme is for 3 days only, you are free to negotiate alternative work for the time you are not committed to the scheme. This will allow you maximum choice and flexibility.
The only day that we specify you must be available to work will be the days that you have a study day. This often falls on a Thursday but may also include other days with sufficient notice. The other days are negotiable with your training setting and will depend on their existing commitments. We expect you to be working as a dental therapist in your chosen practice or setting for two days per week, covering the full scope of practice as a dental therapist.
What is the salary?
This is an employed position and the salary follows national guidance for an NHS Agenda for Change Band 6 salary.
Am I entitled to annual leave?
Yes, you will be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave pro rata. You are also entitled to bank holidays on a pro rata basis. You may not take holidays that coincide with a study day.
What study days will I attend?
The educational programme for the scheme consists of varied topics appropriate to the scope of practice of a dental therapist. Study days typically take place alongside foundation dentists but there are several dental therapy specific study days throughout the year. Study days will take place at locations within the South West are or an online platform. They may occasionally have a residential element (full travel and accommodation costs will be covered where applicable).
Attendance at study days is mandatory in order to receive your completion certificate at the end of the year. A record of attendance is kept and CPD certificates are issued.
Community based project
Foundation Dental Therapists will be embarking on a project to engage with the local community to improve oral health and quality of life for those who have difficulty in accessing dental care. This correlated to the current Chief Dental Officer’s objectives for the delivery of oral health care in England and the NHS. The project can be join with the Foundation Dentists in your area.
How will I know how I am progressing?
Regular feedback will be provided by your ES and training programme managers in several ways:
1. E-portfolio
2. Educational assessments
3. Online learning
4. Case presentations
5. Clinical audits
6. Reviews of competency progression that occur at various stages throughout the year
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2026 Dental Therapy Foundation Training Scheme are now closed. However, if you would like any further information on future applications please contact England.dentaltherapy.sw@nhs.net
How do I get appointed?
Initial application is via an expression of interest form which is made available after the National Recruitment webinar which usually takes place in January. Once we have received your expression of interest we will be in touch to inform you of the next steps in applying.