Dental Foundation Training (DFT) person specification 2025

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) by time of commencement of post
• full registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) by time of commencement of post^{i ii}
• eligible to join an NHS Dental Performer List (or equivalent) by time of commencement of post

ⁱTemporary GDC registrants are not able to take up posts in Dental foundation training.

ⁱⁱFor overseas applicants, please note we must confirm through your application and before offers are released that you have passed Part 2 of the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) and Licence in Dental Surgery Part 3 (LDS). In addition to this, full General Dental Council (GDC) registration will need to be verified by 1 September 2025.

When is this evaluated?

• Application form

Applicants must:

• be eligible to work in the UK

Is up to date and fit to practise safely and is aware of own training needs.

When is this evaluated?

• Application form

Applicants must meet the Necessary knowledge of English language for dental professionals as outlined by the General Dental Council.ⁱ

ⁱTemporary GDC registrants are not able to take up posts in Dental foundation training.

When is this evaluated?

• Application form
• Situational judgement test

Applicants must:

• provide complete dental education and dental employment history

When is this evaluated?

• Application form

All sections of application form completed fully according to written guidelines.

When is this evaluated?

• Application form

• Requires Dental Foundation Training as the only route to access the NHS Dental Performers List.
• Have less than 12 monthsⁱⁱⁱ experience working as a dentist^iv by time of the intended start date^v.

When is this evaluated?

• Application form

ⁱⁱⁱ Any time periods specified in this person specification refer to full-time-equivalent.

^iv All experience in posts at any level in dentistry count, irrespective of the country the experience is gained.

^v Applicants with 12 months or more experience are eligible to apply via the foundation equivalence route. More information on the foundation equivalent route is available on the Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND) website.

* You must provide the names and addresses of 2 referees, who are willing (have already consented) to provide clinical references relating to 2 posts undertaken within the last 2 years (one of which will usually be a current post) each of which lasted at least 3 months (continuous period) without a significant break, or where this is not possible, a full explanation as to why that is the case and the names and addresses of 2 alternative referees. For example, where posts have been of shorter duration or you have worked as a locum in a number of casual posts, you may include a referee from a frequently-held, recurrent post. These details must be provided directly to your employer after acceptance of an offer and allocation to practice.

Essential

• Appropriate knowledge base and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems
• Ability to apply clinical knowledge
• Ability to prioritise clinical need
• Understanding of clinical risk management
• Clear logical thinking, showing an analytical approach
• Demonstrates understanding of evidence-informed practice
• Shows awareness of own limitations
• Shows initiative/ drive/enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative)

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test

Essential

Empathy and sensitivity

• Capacity to take in others’ perspectives and treat others with understanding 
• Handling personal issues raised by patients and colleagues
• Dealing effectively with patients with different needs

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test

Essential

Organisation and planning

• Capacity to manage/prioritise time and information effectively
• Thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self-discipline/commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)

Managing others and team involvement

• Capacity to work effectively with others
• Understands the importance of working in teams

Vigilance and situational awareness

• Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues

Coping with pressure

• Capacity to operate under pressure
• Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing circumstances

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test

Essential

Professional integrity

• Capacity to take responsibility for own actions
• Demonstrates respect for all
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of putting patients’ needs and interests first
• Responds appropriately to constructive criticism and advice given by others to aid own development

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test

Essential

• Meets professional health requirements

When is this evaluated?

• Evaluated by local Deanery/NHSE Area and Occupational health assessment (if required)