The Dental Therapists Foundation Training Scheme (DTFT) has been developed to help ease the journey of the newly qualified dental therapist from undergraduate to working successfully in a general dental practice environment.
The Scheme places particular emphasis on providing continued support and education for newly qualified dental therapists in a clinical environment, as well as assisting the development of personal skills and knowledge through the educational programme. Therapists will be encouraged to further develop critical thinking and evidence based practice during the year.
The scheme covers the Thames Valley and Wessex area (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight).
The programme, which will last for an academic year will commence Monday 1st September 2025 and is aimed at recently qualified dental therapists. Dental Therapists will be employed within training practices, be allocated an approved trainer and attend the day-release educational programme organised by Thames Valley & Wessex Dental School, which is a minimum of 20 days throughout the year.
The Education Programme
The study day programme consists of a minimum of 20 days (Dental Therapist Foundation Training), over one full year. You will be released from your employment in practice to attend the study days. The programme is designed carefully to help you develop all the necessary skills and knowledge required for successful clinical practice. The study days are held at various locations within the Thames Valley & Wessex region including Oxford, Wexham Park Hospital Slough, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Dental Academy Portsmouth University Hospital. Some days may be held at alternative venues and some will be combined with the Dental Foundation schemes. Most days will begin with a problem-solving opportunity where problems of any nature may be openly discussed with your peers and Dental Therapy Training Programme Lead (TPL).
All attempts are made to tailor the contents of the study days to the trainee’s needs, working with the TPL. The days will be a mixture of conferences, lectures/ presentations, problem-based-learning seminars, workshops and skills lab training. Attendance at all study days is mandatory for successful completion of the programme.
The typical study year consists of:
Three-day induction: Trainees will learn what is needed for a successful Foundation year, understand and review risks in General Dental Practice and will also be given the opportunity to practice their hands-on clinical skills.
Dental Care for Older People: Designed to help Dental Therapists plan and deliver high quality and person centred dental care to meet the oral health needs of an ageing population.
Two Day Education Conference: Topics covered include radiation protection and radiography skills, anaesthesia techniques, use of rubber dams, modern caries management and pulpotomies.
Anterior Composites: A hands-on event designed to help Dental Therapists understand and demonstrate how to remove carious tooth and understand treatment options.
Periodontics in Practice: Designed to help Trainees understand the aetiology of periodontal disease, diagnosis and management.
Medico-Legal Issues: The lecture covers the basic Dental Therapist contract, record keeping, step by step guide to what clinical records should contain.
In addition to the above other areas of learning include, Infection Control, CQC Requirements, Safeguarding, standards in the working practice, direct access and posture, Oral Medicine and Oral Cancer.
Dental Therapist Foundation Training Recruitment 2025/2026
Dental Therapist Foundation Trainees will be employed by an approved NHS training practice within Thames Valley & Wessex region for 3 days a week (22.5 hrs per week). The scheme features a minimum of 15 day-release education days, which include a comprehensive induction programme, two-day education and team building event, several hands-on days and a number of joint study events with the Dental Foundation Schemes.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS – Applications for the 2025/2026 Scheme have now closed. Applications for the 2026/2027 scheme will be released in the Autumn.
The next Dental Therapist Foundation Scheme start date is Monday 1st September 2026. All Applicants must be graduated and must be GDC Registered and indemnified.
THIS POST IS SUITABLE FOR DENTAL THERAPISTS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.
Educational Supervisor Recruitment
An Opportunity to share your knowledge with a new Dental Therapist Graduate!
We are looking for qualified and experienced dental practitioners and dental therapists to become Educational Supervisors (Trainers) starting 01 September 2025 on our Dental Foundation Therapy scheme across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Winchester, Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
Dental Foundation Therapy is a programme designed to support newly qualified dental therapist graduates entering NHS Primary Dental Care for the first time and completion of the programme will result in the award of a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Dental Therapy Foundation Training. Dental Foundation Therapists are appointed to approved training practices for a period of 12 months and are required to attend all the Thames Valley & Wessex weekly day-release educational programme, usually held on Thursdays.
Dental Foundation Therapy Training is entirely funded by the NHS. Trainees follow the local curriculum and are expected to complete regular assessments and a number of written and practical assignments. Educational Supervisors (Trainers) carry out direct observation (DOPS) of trainees and complete assessments and other exercises with the trainee and jointly record these in the e-Portfolio.
Interested and want to find out more? Further information is available HERE
Educational Supervisor Application forms and all supporting documents for the 2025-2026 Dental Therapy Foundation Training are available to download below.
Application Forms and Supporting Documentation
| Form B | Application form for Educational Supervisors |
| Self Assessment Form | To be Completed and submitted with Form B |
| Educational Supervisor Guidance | Please read all supporting documents prior to completing and submitting your application |
| ES Person and Practice Specification | Please read all supporting documents prior to completing and submitting your application |