Recruitment timeline

Dental Core Training (DCT) recruitment

Key dates and recruitment timelines for Dental Core Training (DCT) and Dental Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) recruitment

This round of recruitment is for posts that start in September 2026.

All times are in UK local time (GMT or BST). Please note that times and dates are indicative and subject to change.

January

Oriel adverts appear (DCT1 and DCT2/3)

Date: Tuesday 6 January 2026
Link: Oriel

Applications open  

Applications must be made through Oriel. We will not accept applications in any other way.

Date: Thursday 8 January 2026
Time: 10:00am

Applications close

No late applications will be accepted.

Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Time: 4:00pm

February

SJT booking window opens    

Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Time: 6:00am

SJT booking window closes

Applicants will be able to reschedule or cancel up until 48 hours before their booked appointment time.

Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026
Time: 11:00am

March

SJT assessment window

Date: Wednesday 11  March to Wednesday 18 March 2026

April and May

Interview booking open    

Date: Wednesday 1 April 2026
Time: 10:00am

Interview booking deadline    

Date: Tuesday 7 April 2026
Time: 9:00am

Preference ranking opens    

Date: Thursday 9 April 2026
Time: 4:00pm

Virtual interview dates - DCT1 

  • TBC

Virtual interview dates - DCT2/3 

  • TBC

Preference ranking closes

Preference ranking will be re-opened inbetween each iteration of offers.

Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 2:00pm

First offers released    

Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 5:00pm

Hold deadline    

Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 1:00pm

Feedback to applicants    

Date: Thursday 28 May 2026

June

Upgrade deadline    

Date: Tuesday 2 June 2026
Time: 4:00pm

September

Post Commences

Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026

Page last reviewed: 9 October 2024

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