Funded Direct Access Mentoring Scheme
This fully-funded scheme supports Dental Therapists working in NHS primary care to develop the confidence, skills and knowledge to provide Direct Access, all within their current dental practice.
Whether you are a Dental Therapist looking to take the next step, or a dental practice keen to support your team and expand your service offering, this scheme offers a supported pathway.
🎯 What is the Scheme?
- Runs for 6 months, within the Dental Therapist’s current dental practice
- Support of an in-practice mentor, who will provide:
- Chairside support 4 sessions per week
- Support to complete a developmental portfolio
- Regular tutorials
The mentor will be a colleague at the practice, either a Dental Therapist who is experienced at providing Direct Access or a Dentist
- It is anticipated participants will provide Direct Access services during at least 40% of the four funded clinical sessions each week
- Monthly online support group, facilitated by a Dental Therapist who is currently providing Direct Access
- Access to 20 hours of Directorate commissioned Lifelong Learning courses free of charge
- Free course for the mentor and dental practice, discussing how Direct Access can be implemented in primary dental care
🦷 Dental Therapists
Why apply?
- Build confidence to provide Direct Access
- Learn in your current role with support from a trusted colleague
- Reflect on and grow your skills with structured feedback
- Access free Lifelong Learning aligned to your Personal Development Plan (PDP)
- Connect with peers through an online study group
🏢 Practices
Why support this scheme?
- Enhance your service offering through Direct Access
- Develop your Dental Therapist’s role and improve staff retention
- Improve patient access and practice efficiency
- Receive funding to support scheme delivery
- Access to a dedicated session on the practicalities of implementing Direct Access
What’s expected?
- Provide Direct Access to NHS patients for the duration of the scheme
- Provide an in-practice mentor (Dental Therapist experienced in Direct Access or Dentist)
- Ensure that the Dental Therapist is supported to deliver Direct Access during at least 40% of the four funded clinical sessions per week
- Ensure mentor availability for 4 sessions per week
- Support regular tutorials
What funding is available?
- Mentor funding: £2500
- Practice funding: £3500 - this can be used at the discretion of the practice, to help establish Direct Access within the practice
📌 Eligibility Criteria
- Dental Therapist:
- Hold a qualification in Dental Therapy
- Work at least 4 clinical sessions/week in an NHS practice within the North East and north Cumbria region
- Practice:
- Provide NHS dental services
- Have an in-practice mentor available to support the scheme
📅 Key Dates
- Scheme begins: 1/01/2026
- Application deadline: 17/10/2025
- Places are limited – allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
📥 Ready to Apply?
Submit the attached application form to england.dentalcourses.ne@nhs.net