Dental Study Leave
NHS England is committed to supporting dental trainees in undertaking study leave activities to achieve their specialty curriculum and support professional development.
This page provides guidance for Thames Valley & Wessex Dental Core and Specialty Trainees on how to apply for Dental Study Leave.
What does my study budget cover?
Courses/education activities to support dentists in training to achieve the curriculum requirements (scheduled teaching – Deanery study days and other Trust/Department study sessions are included within the 30 days)
External/national courses, events, conferences, if a trainee is presenting (poster or oral presentation)
Courses to help prepare for postgraduate exams
Discretionary courses to add value and support the wider system
What is not covered by my study budget?
Royal College membership and e-portfolio fees
Postgraduate exam fees
Any statutory or mandatory training required to fulfil clinical role (this should be provided by NHS Trust)
Interview expenses
How much can I claim for accommodation?
Overnight accommodation expenses will only be reimbursed if you are travelling from a base destination (main place of work) more than 100 miles to the venue, or if the course runs longer than one day and the round trip exceeds 100 miles.
Accommodation costs to be covered by NHSE will be limited to the duration of the event plus one night, either before or after the event dates. Trainees must demonstrate value for money and book the lowest priced accommodation available (we recommend obtaining three quotes). Overnight costs will be reimbursed up to a maximum limit of £120.00 per night outside of London and £150 per night within London.
When staying with friends or relatives during a study leave activity, a flat rate sum (£25 per night) can be claimed, which includes an allowance for meals; receipts are not required.
Receipts must be provided for all accommodation expenses.
What if I want to go to an international course/conference?
Study leave for international activities (outside the UK) require prospective approval from your Educational Supervisor, Training Programme Director and Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean. Any international study leave claims that have not been pre-approved by these roles will not be reimbursed.
International activities fall into two categories:
Curricular – Attending courses/events outside of the UK to meet curricular requirements. This will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and when the curricular requirements cannot be met by attending a similar opportunity in the UK.
Aspirational – Study leave that enhances the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the dentist in training, or enhances any aspect of patient care, but is not mapped to any direct curriculum requirements. For these special aspirational circumstances, it has been agreed that part-funding for one international conference or meeting may be approved on its own merit.
The part-funded of attendance, where approved – reflects both NHSE’s and your commitment to your development. Part-funding may be provided to support the conference/course fee or travel and accommodation costs (in line with local deanery guidance for claiming expenses), whichever is the lower amount.
The overnight accommodation rate for international study leave must not exceed £150 per night.
Subsistence expenses will not be reimbursed by NHSE for international study leave.
Receipts must be provided for all expenses otherwise your claim will not be processed.