Recruitment timeline

Dental Foundation Training (DFT) applicant guide

Recruitment to Dental Foundation Training (DFT) takes place through a national selection process.

The Recruitment timeline below has been updated for September 2027 intake.

Important: Accuracy

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this page. The information presented is accurate at the time of publication.

Applications for the September 2027 intake of Dental Foundation Training (DFT) open in July 2026.

Key dates for recruitment

The times given below are in UK time.

Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

July 2026

Applications open

Date: 23 July 2026

Time: 10am

August 2026

Applications close

Date: 26 August 2026

Time: 10am

November 2026

SJT Exam window

Date: 4 November to 12 November 2026

April 2027

Preferencing opens

Date: 7 April 2027 (subject to change)

May 2027

Preferencing closes

Date: 6 May 2027 (subject to change)

Time: 10am

Initial offers

Date: 18 May 2027 (subject to change)

June 2027

Dental school exam results

Date: 2 June 2027

Upgrade deadline

Date: 3 June 2027

Time: 4pm

Transfer of information (TOI) to regions

Date: 9 June 2027

September 2027

Post commences

Date: 1 September 2027

Page last reviewed: 3 July 2026
Next review due: 3 July 2028