The Dental Therapists Foundation Training Scheme (DTFT) supports the transition of newly qualified dental therapists from undergraduate study into effective practice within general dental settings.
The scheme focuses on continued clinical support and education, alongside the development of professional skills and knowledge through a structured educational programme. Participants are encouraged to strengthen critical thinking and evidence‑based practice throughout the year.
The scheme operates across the Thames Valley and Wessex regions, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.
The programme runs for one academic year, commencing on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Dental therapists will be employed in approved training practices, supported by an Educational Supervisor, and will attend a minimum of 20 day‑release educational teaching sessions delivered by Thames Valley & Wessex Dental School.
The Education Programme
The study day programme consists of a minimum of 20 days delivered over one full academic year. Trainees will be released from their employment in practice to attend these study days, the majority of which will take place on a Thursday. The programme is carefully designed to support the development of the full range of skills and knowledge required for successful clinical practice.
Study days are held at various locations across the Thames Valley and Wessex region, including Wexham Park Hospital (Slough), Milton Keynes University Hospital, and Reading. Some sessions may be delivered at alternative venues, and on occasion study days will be combined with Dental Foundation Training schemes.
Most study days will begin with a structured problem‑solving session, providing an opportunity for trainees to openly discuss clinical, professional, or other issues with peers and the Dental Therapy Training Programme Lead (TPL).
The content of the study days is tailored to meet trainees’ individual learning needs, working closely with the TPL. Teaching methods will include conferences, lectures and presentations, problem‑based learning seminars, workshops, and skills laboratory training. Attendance at all study days is mandatory for the successful completion of the programme.
The typical study year consists of:
Three-day induction: (02-04 September 2026) Trainees will gain the knowledge and skills required for a successful Foundation year, develop an understanding of risk management in General Dental Practice, and practise hands‑on clinical skills in a supported environment.
Children’s Oral Health Improvement Programme: This entails two interactions with an early year setting, preferably supporting the local early year oral health initiatives either by helping settings continue with supervised toothbrushing programmes or to adopt other key messages to support pupils’ oral health.
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 support Dental Therapists in developing and demonstrating skills in caries removal, alongside an understanding of appropriate treatment options.
Periodontics in Practice: Designed to support trainees in understanding the aetiology, diagnosis, and management of periodontal disease.
Medico-Legal Issues: This lecture covers the Dental Therapist contract, record‑keeping requirements, and the key elements of clinical records.
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 & Application 2026/2027
Dental Therapist Foundation Trainees will be employed for three days per week (22.5 hours) by an approved NHS training practice within the Thames Valley and Wessex region, with the opportunity to work an additional two days per week as a dental hygienist or dental therapist elsewhere.
The Application Process
Applications for the 2026/2027 scheme open Sunday 1st March 2026 at 17:00 hrs.
Full details on the application process can be found below.
More details regarding the scheme can be found here or contact sue.osullivan5@nhs.net or kira.stearns1@nhs.net
APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR DENTAL THERAPISTS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS.
| Applications Open | Sunday 01 March 2026 at 17:00 hrs Download an application form here This Application Form will not be available to download until applications open. |
| Applications Close | Applications will remain open until all posts have been filled. |
| Webinar for candidates who have applied to Thames Valley & Wessex Scheme. You will be required to attend this webinar to be considered for a placement | Thursday 30 April 2026 at 13:00 hrs Register Here |
| Placements offered to candidates based on time-stamp and attendance at webinar on 30 April 2025 | May 2026 |
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 2026 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 2026-2027 Dental Therapy Foundation Training are available to download here.