Funded Support Scheme for International Dental Graduates Working as Dental Therapists
- Are you an International Dental Graduate (IDG) registered with the GDC as a Dental Therapist and currently working in a NHS dental practice?
- If you are adapting to the UK dental system and would benefit from structured support as you transition into NHS practice, this fully funded scheme is designed to help you grow your skills, strengthen your confidence, and feel supported in your current clinical role.
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🎯 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
- Guidance to complete a developmental portfolio
- Regular tutorials
- The mentor will be a colleague within the practice, either a Dentist or a Dental Therapist who is currently working to full scope of practice.
- Access to dedicated teaching sessions for IDGs working as Dental Therapists in NHS dental practice. These sessions will be delivered from Bourne House, Durham.
- Access to 20 hours of Directorate commissioned Lifelong Learning courses free of charge
🦷 Dental Therapists – Why Apply?
- Build confidence while adapting to NHS practice
- Receive structured guidance in the practice where you already work
- Strengthen clinical decision-making and patient communication
- Access funded courses aligned to your PDP
- Connect with other IDGs through peer support
🏢 Practices - Why support this scheme?
- Support staff in transitioning confidently into NHS practice
- Strengthen your service offering through effective skill mix
- Improve patient access and enhance service delivery
- Receive funding to support the scheme delivery and practice development
What is expected?
- Ensure that the Dental Therapist is supported to deliver full scope of practice for NHS patients, during the funded clinical sessions
- Provide an in-practice mentor who is available to provide chairside support during the funded clinical sessions. The mentor can be a Dentist or a Dental Therapist currently practising at full scope.
- Support the Dental Therapist’s development through tutorials and feedback
What funding is available?
- Mentor funding: £2500
- Practice funding: £3500 - this can be used at the discretion of the practice to support the delivery of the scheme
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Dental Therapist:
- Hold a primary dental qualification from outside the UK
- Registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Therapist
- Currently work a minimum of 2 days a week in an NHS dental 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: 1/04/2026
- Application deadline: 26/01/2026
- Places are limited – allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
📥 Ready to Apply?