Dental Foundation Therapist Training (updated 09/10/2026)
Why join DTFT?
2026/27 Scheme Information
Application Process and Information
Person Specification
What will I achieve by the end of DTFT?
What are the key timelines?
How will communications be handled?
What do I need to know about the DTFT interview DTFT Study Day Programme
Joining DTFT provides structured mentorship, confidence building, and career progression opportunities. You will gain enhanced clinical experience, develop professional skills, and receive support from experienced practitioners throughout the year.
The programme runs for 12 months from September, combining hands-on clinical practice with dedicated study days. It emphasises critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and team working in a general dental practice environment.
Main Duties of the Role:
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Attend 10–15 educational study days
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Work 3 days per week in a supportive primary care dental practice
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Participate in protected learning time each month
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Undertake work-based assessments for structured formative training
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Maintain a portfolio of evidence and achieve a certificate of completion
Location:
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Placement locations: Practices within Yorkshire and Humber (allocated after interview and practice visits). Candidates may express location preferences, which will be considered where possible.
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Study days: Delivered virtually or face-to-face in Leeds/Sheffield
Equality & Diversity:
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality and diversity. We also provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities to ensure a fair recruitment process.
For the first time, the Yorkshire scheme is working with the University of Leeds for CHORAL, offering a research opportunity alongside DTFT.
This will be a 12-month role (1 September – 31 August) and provides two days per week dedicated to research.
Information about the study can be found by clicking on the following link:
Growing Well Study: The role of portion size, plant-based and commercial foods on young child growth
There are four posts available (two in Leeds and two in Doncaster):
* The first six months will focus on epidemiology training and standardisation for research.
* The latter six months will involve data collection at children’s centres in Leeds or Doncaster.
The post is currently being finalised and I will update the website soon.
In the meantime, expressions of interest will be sought from all those who apply to the 26/27 (YH) scheme.
Application Process and Information
Foundation Dental Therapist - Applications Open 02 January 2026
Application link: https://forms.office.com/e/SumKPjhUiJ
Employer:
NHS Dental Training Practice with Yorkshire & the Humber region.
Scheme managed by NHS England – Workforce, Training & Education (North East & Yorkshire)
Salary:
£38,682 per annum (Pro Rata for 0.6 FTE)
Aligned with NHS Agenda for Change Band 6 (Pay step Point 1)
Contract:
Fixed term, 12 months
Start: 01 September 2026
End: 31 August 2027
Working Pattern & Hours:
Part-time (3 days per week, 0.6 FTE)
Specific days agreed with your allocated training practice, but Thursdays are likely included as most study days are scheduled then.
Closing Date: Monday 2 February 2026
Interview Date: Friday 27 March 2026 (online via Microsoft Teams)
(please note: this section is under review)
The applications for the training scheme are mapped against the person specification. All criterion must be evidenced to enable to applicant to proceed to interview.
You will receive a notification via email about the success of your application. This will be after the closing date, once we have quality assured all applications.
The applicant must:
- hold a recognised UK qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy within the last 24 months and have registration with the General Dental Council as a Dental Hygienist and Therapist.
OR
- be enrolled at a recognised UK Higher Education Institution, in your final year of study, for a qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental and be eligible for initial registration with the General Dental Council.
You must also meet the following essential criteria:
Clinical:
- Basic Life Support within the last 12 months (or confirmation that training will be completed before the 1 September start date)
- Understanding of clinical risk management
- Appropriate level of clinical knowledge
- Clear, logical thinking, showing an analytical/scientific approach
- Good manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination
Communication
- Ability to communicate with clarity in written and spoken English
- ability to build rapport, listen, persuade and negotiate
Management and Leadership
- Ability to prioritise clinical need
- Ability to organise oneself and own work
- Experience and ability to work in multi-professional teams
- Ability to take responsibility and make decisions
- Information technology skills
Professionalism
- Uses non-judgemental approach to patients and colleagues, regardless of their sexuality, ethnicity, disability, religious beliefs or financial status.
- Meets professional health requirements
- Interpersonal skills (i.e. sees patients as people, empathise, work co-operatively with others, open and non-defensive, sense of humour)
- Shows knowledge of evidence-informed practice
- Shows awareness of own limitations
What will I achieve by the end of DTFT?
The DTFT programme aims to introduce dental therapists to general dental practice, support their development in a safe and structured environment, encourage reflection and peer review, and promote lifelong learning through ongoing education, training, and audit.
By completing the programme, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate clinical skills, knowledge, and values relevant to dental therapy
- Organise and manage aspects of successful practice
- Manage the psychological aspects of patient care
- Work effectively as part of a dental team
- Make confident, competent decisions and know when to refer
- Follow ethical and confidentiality guidelines
- Apply regulations for safe practice
- Access advice and support networks for dental therapists
- Understand that continuing professional development is a lifelong commitment
What are the key timelines for DTFT?
Applications open: Friday 02 January 2026, 00:00 (midnight, start of day)
Applications close: Monday 02 February 2026, 23:59 (midnight, end of day)
Invitation to interview: Saturday 28 February 2026
Interviews: Friday 27 March 2026
Acceptance confirmed via email: Saturday 04 April 2026
Practice visits arranged by applicant: After acceptance; preferences submitted by Saturday 30 May 2026
Confirmation of placement: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Contracts and agreements exchanged: After placement confirmation, submission Tuesday 14 July 2026
Scheme induction day (Leeds): Tuesday 01 September 2026
How will communications be handled?
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All official updates (interview invitations, acceptance, placement confirmation) will be sent via email.
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Applicants should check their inbox regularly and ensure their contact details are correct.
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For informal queries, you can contact the Training Programme Director by email, joanne.ward37@nhs.net
What do I need to know about the DTFT interview?
Interviews for the Dental Therapy Foundation Training (DTFT) programme will take place on Friday 27 March 2026, and will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
Panel Composition:
- Training Programme Director
- External NHSE employee
- Educational Supervisor and/or Foundation Therapist
The interview is an informal conversation designed to understand your suitability for the programme and help match you to the most appropriate training provider. It’s not a high-pressure assessment but an opportunity for you to demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm for the role.
We’ll explore areas such as:
- Professional readiness and understanding of the DTFT programme
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Teamworking and approach to patient care
- Professionalism and alignment with NHS values
The focus is on your potential and how the programme can best support your development.
Outcome:
Applicants will be notified of success or rejection after quality assurance checks.
As part of your Dental Therapist Foundation Training (DTFT) programme, you will be allocated to one of two study day schemes:
You will be notified of your allocated scheme via email prior to the start of your training.
The course management system used throughout DTFT is Maxcourse. We strongly recommend that all trainees create their Maxcourse account, where possible, before commencing training. This will allow course enrolment and programme administration to begin promptly. DTFT course materials and resources will be hosted on NHS Futures. You will receive an invitation to join the relevant DTFT workspace, where you can access the materials required throughout your training programme.
Further Information
For guidance on the following, please use this link:
- Creating and using your Maxcourse account
- Your QR registration form
- Deanery attendance policy
Medical Emergencies (ME):
Your intial ME learning will be a range of E-Learning modules (lasting around 4 hours) which you will have access from the 03/09/2026 and will need to be completed by the 07/09/2026. It is advised you complete this learning as quickly as possible. This E-Learning will be held on a platform operated by the University of Leeds. Please find the candidate instructions provided by the University fof Leeds here. This will be discussed at induction as well, you will require a laptop or similar device for this.
Your 'Medical Emergencies ABCDE Interactive Lecture' on the 11/09/2026, will be held on the University's Athena system.
For the 'ME Simulation Session' each area scheme will be split into Group A or B and that will determine which session FDs attend. You have been informed of your group allocations via email.
Please note for the 'Coffee & Catch Up' sessions & DTFT tutorials there will be no need to enrol onto these sessions on Maxcourse. There will be no CPD certiifcates avialble for these sessions too.
