What is Dental Foundation Training?
Dental Foundation Training is a one-year vocational training programme after Dental school. It’s purpose is to “enhance clinical and administrative competence and promote high standards through relevant postgraduate training and meet the needs of general dental practice in the NHS” (Royal College of Surgeons).
Foundation Dentists (FDs) spend a year in approved practices undertaking training. It introduces gradate dentists to general dental practice under the supervision of an experienced dentist ‘educational supervisor’ (ES). In some practices, two dentists share this role. The ESs provide supervision and help where needed and deliver tutorials.
NEW Dental Foundation Training Practice Recruitment for September 2025
Applications are now open for new dental foundation training practices in the London and KSS area. Application guidance can be accessed via the corresponding links below. Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.
Applications Open: 16 October 2024
Programme start date: 1 September 2025
If you have specific questions pertaining to the programme and application process, please contact the Dental Foundation Associate Dean.
For London - Davesh Patel, davesh.patel3@nhs.net
- London application guidance can be accessed here: LONDON GUIDANCE DOCUMENT (Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.)
- Please submit your London region application via this link: Application Form
For KSS - Peter Mauthe, peter.mauthe@nhs.net
- KSS application guidance can be accessed here: KSS GUIDANCE DOCUMENT (Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.)
- Please submit your Kent, Surrey & Sussex region application via this link: Application Form
Existing Training Site and Supervisors Re-appointment Applications
Applications are now open for existing dental foundation training practices in the London and KSS area. Application guidance can be accessed via the corresponding links below. Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.
The London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex regions have separate recruitment guidance and recruitment processes.
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London and KSS Regions Key Dates |
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Applications open |
Currently Closed |
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Applications close (09:00 am) |
1st April 2025 |
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Application outcome notification |
From 9th May 2025 |
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Posts commence |
1st September 2025 |
If you have specific questions pertaining to the programme and application process, please contact the Dental Foundation Associate Dean.
For London - Davesh Patel, davesh.patel3@nhs.net
- London application guidance can be accessed here: LONDON GUIDANCE DOCUMENT (Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.)
- Please submit your London region application via this link: APPLICATIONS CLOSED
For KSS - Peter Mauthe, peter.mauthe@nhs.net
- KSS application guidance can be accessed here: KSS GUIDANCE DOCUMENT (Clicking the link will download a PDF file on your device.)
- Please submit your Kent, Surrey & Sussex region application via this link: APPLICATIONS CLOSED
DFT Programme Details
FD’s work a 35-hour week, are salaried. Those on a 12 month programme are employed by our Lead employer - Royal London NHS Foundation Trust. Those on a 24 month programme are employed by their accredited training practice. All groups meet regularly for educational study days.
Educational Supervisors and FD’s are formed locally into schemes comprising of 14-16 FD’s and their Educational Supervisors. Schemes are managed by Training Programme Directors.
The FDs written contract of employment with the Educational Supervisor/Training Practice (The Trainee's Contract) is nationally agreed.
Upon satisfactory completion of Dental Foundation Training, dentists receive Certificates of Completion signed by the Postgraduate Dental Dean. Dentists who possess such Certificates are allocated NHS dental performer list numbers, upon application, which enable them to work in the General Dental Services.
The Dental team led by the Associate Dental Deans for Foundation Training, Davesh Patel & Peter Mauthe, are committed to helping dental foundation trainees across the region achieve their full potential as dentists, and to prepare them for a fulfilling and rewarding career in dentistry.
Training Programme Directors (TPD’s):
Each Dental Foundation Training Programme Director is responsible for different aspects of training within a given area, our TPDs are:
- Sushil John
- Piotr Zukowski
- Parul Patel
- Sharon Biant
- Tarik Shembesh
- Ahmed Babikir
- Subhan Tauheed
- Raj Mahendran.
- Tauseef Mahmood
- Priya Arora
- Kaxa Patel
- Christian Small
