National recruitment to Dental Foundation Training (formerly Vocational Training) was introduced for dental graduates entering DFT in 2012.  This was part of an initiative backed by the Department of Health to develop national recruitment to foundation and specialty training for medical and dental students in the UK and is intended to ensure an equitable and transparent recruitment process that minimises disruption to dental students and Educational Supervisors.  The recruitment process is led by Shared Services on behalf of NHS England and COPDEND. 

For any queries concerning the National Recruitment process please use the Applicant Support Portal   

Learn more about training in the North East and north Cumbria in the links below. 

• Overview of DFT in the North East and north Cumbria
• Training practices.  We are busy appointing our training practices for 2026-27, current training practices can be found here
• Two year GPT scheme
• Simulation and digital training 
• Study days
• Why train with us?  A big thank you to Alice Casey and all of the 2025-26 Central scheme FDs for making this short video 

Should you have any questions Shakiela Hyder, Training Programme Director, is happy to answer your emails.