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 specialties and outreach teahing 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 and Paediatric Dentistry. We also have an option for 1 day per week in academic research at Newcastle Dental Hospital and Dental Public Health.
Covering the North East and North Cumbria, the scheme runs from 1st September until 31 August each year.
Why Foundation Training?
Foundation Dental Therapists benefit from:
- 12 month employed full time placement in primary care NHS Practice, 3 days per week and 2 days on our enhanced programme
- minimum 18 organised study days
- Over 100 hours of CPD
- Support of 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 current 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."
Tamsyn, who graduated from Teesside University:
"The scheme has allowed me to hone my clinical skills, learn new skills and obtain advice from those with experience, from a multitude of different dental backgrounds."
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. "
Megan, who graduated from Teesside University:
"Having a VT year on my CV is a massive plus for jobs and is seen very highly by future employers!"
Lizzie, who graduated from the University of Leeds:
"A great aspect is the quality and passion from the speakers which support clinical learning through study days."
Study Days
The Dental Therapist Foundation Training study days are scheduled on a termly basis (Autumn, Spring, Summer) commencing with group induction on 1 September each year.
Should you have any queries please contact Barbara Briggs on 0191 2754792 barbara.briggs@hee.nhs.uk