Building the workforce for the future

The Dental Therapists Foundation Training programme (DTFT) has been developed to support recently qualified Dental Therapists during their transition into the Primary Dental Care workforce.

The Scheme places particular emphasis on providing continued support and education in a clinical environment, as well as assisting the development of personal skills and knowledge through the educational study day programme and supported by Educational Supervisors and the Training Programme Director.

In the North East we are enhancing the experience of our Dental Therapists within our Foundation Programme. This involves placements in specialities and outreach teaching programmes across the North East and North Cumbria region in addition to our 3 day per week programme in General Dental practice

These include Outreach Oral Health Education, Community Dental Service, Paediatric Dentistry, Dental Public Health and Research with Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences. 

Covering the North East and North Cumbria, the scheme runs from 1 September until 31 August each year. 

Click here for an interactive map showing the 2023-24 training practices.

Why Foundation Training?

Foundation Dental Therapists benefit from:

• 12 month employed full time placement in a primary care NHS Practice, 3 days per week and 2 days on our enhanced programme
• minimum 25 organised study days
• Over 150 hours of CPD
• Support of a dedicated Educational Supervisor in practice
• Support and networking from your peers
• Access to the National e-portfolio for Foundation Training

Here’s what some of our previous Foundation Dental Therapists have to say:

Ross, who graduated from Newcastle University

"My placement in community dental services has allowed me to work with high and additional needs patients, an opportunity I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Without a doubt, I would recommend taking part in the Foundation Dental Therapist scheme in the North East, it provides a solid foundation to shape you into a confident and well-rounded practitioner, something employers will look at favourably."

Chloe, who graduated from Manchester University:

"I chose the Northeast Foundation Dental Therapy scheme as it stood out from others I had looked at. I was interested in having a full-time role without any financial pressure. What I was most interested in was the enhanced placement as it allows you to see different settings that a dental therapist can work within."

Olivia, who graduated from the University of Leeds:

"It has given me the confidence to utilise my full scope into my future career. Without this support I feel I would have deskilled. The move to the Northeast was definitely the right option for me."

Lydia, who graduated from Kings College, London:

"The NE is a friendly region with beautiful scenery, and everything is on your doorstep. My family love it here and we have gained so much in our lives we have decided to stay and make it our home. "

You can watch a video (here) to learn more about Dental Therapist Foundation Training in the Northeast.

2024-25 scheme training practice map