Direct Access Mentoring Scheme

Funded Direct Access Support 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 courses 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 the 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?

Relevant Documents: