Funded Level 1 Paediatric Dentistry Scheme for NHS Dental Practices

We are inviting applications from NHS dental practices in the North East and north Cumbria region to take part in a funded Level 1 Paediatric Dentistry scheme. 

Practices will be funded to treat paediatric patients referred by regional Community Dental Services (CDS) who are suitable to be managed in general dental practice.

This initiative has been developed to enhance the delivery of paediatric dentistry within primary care, giving practices the skills, support and resources to manage suitable cases locally and improve access for children across the region.

The scheme will:

  • Shorten waiting times for paediatric patients requiring Level 1 care.
  • Reduce inappropriate referrals to regional Community Dental Services.
  • Support professional development of dentists and dental therapists in primary care.

Scheme Overview

  • Didactic teaching course: See below for study day details.
  • Patient care delivery within the clinicians’ own practice:  From 1 April 2026, each practice will provide care for 12 paediatric patients per month, referred directly by their local CDS.  Care will be provided by two clinicians, either two dentists or one dentist and one dental therapist.
  • Clinical mentoring: Ongoing support from specialists in paediatric dentistry for 12 months.
  • Practice funding:
    • £5,760 for patient care delivery (equivalent of £40 per patient).
    • Practices will still submit their usual NHS claim for each course of treatment, in addition to the funding provided through this scheme.
    • £740 for the practice to purchase required materials.
    • Total: £6,500 per practice.

Mandatory Study Days

Day

Topic

Date

Location

1

Introduction, Caries and Pulp Therapy

08/01/26

Bourne House

2

Managing Caries (Hands-on)

26/01/26

Bourne House

3

Treatment Planning

09/02/26

Bourne House

4

Developmental Conditions

20/02/26

Bourne House

5

Behavior Management

 

Pre-recorded Webinar

6

Prevention

 

Pre-recorded Webinar

7

Trauma Management (Hands-on)

02/03/26

Bourne House

8

Wash-up Day - as required

09/03/26

Bourne House

 

Eligibility

  • Open to NHS dental practices in the North East and north Cumbria region.  Two practices per CDS area will be selected.
  • Practices must commit to:
    • Provide dental treatment for 12 paediatric patients per month for 12 months, referred from their local CDS.  Once the course of treatment is complete, the patient will be referred back to the original referring practice for ongoing care.
    • Release two clinicians (either two dentists or one dentist and one dental therapist) to attend all mandatory study days.
    • Engage in evaluation and feedback throughout the programme.

Regional Collaboration

This programme is being delivered in collaboration with the regional Paediatric Dentistry Managed Clinical Network (MCN) and local CDS services, ensuring consistent patient pathways, clinical support and equitable access across the region.

How to Apply

  • Review the eligibility criteria above
  • Nominate your two clinicians (either two dentists or one dentist and one dental therapist)
  • Submit your application by 17 November 2025 to england.dentalcourses.ne@nhs.net

Contact

Application Form