Dental Foundation Training (DFT) person specification 2026

Applicants must have:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent by time of commencement of post

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form

Applicants must:

• Have full registration with the GDC by time of commencement of post^{i ii}
• Be eligible to join the Dental Performers List for England, NI Dental List (Northern Ireland), NHS Scotland Health Boards Dental List or the Dental Performers List (Wales) by time of commencement of post
• Be eligible to work in the UK*
• Be able to travel to sites as required in order to fulfil the requirements of the whole training programme*

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

Applicant must:

• Be up to date and fit to practise safely and aware of own training needs
• Have a minimum of two satisfactory and recent clinical references*
• Have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in England & Wales/Access NI in Northern Ireland or equivalent*
• Have occupational health clearance* 

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form
• *Pre-employment checksⁱⁱⁱ

Applicants must:

• Meet the necessary knowledge of English language for dental professionals as outlined by the General Dental Council*ⁱ 

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form
• Situational judgement test

Applicant must:

• Meet professional health requirements (in line with GDC Standards)* 

^{​​​​​​​}Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• *Pre-employment checks^vii

Applicants must:

• Be able to provide complete details of dental education and, where applicable, dental employment history

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form

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

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form

• Dentists and dental students who expect to graduate or have recently graduated from a dental school anywhere in the UK are highly recommended to take DFT in order to join the NHS Dental Performers List in England and Wales as well an entry route to further postgraduate training pathways such as dental core and dental speciality training.
• Have less than 12 months^iv experience working as a dentist^v by time of the intended start date^vi 

Demonstrated during this part of the application process:

• Application form

iv Any time periods specified in this person specification refer to full-time-equivalent
v All experience in posts at any level in dentistry count, irrespective of the country the experience is gained
vi Applicants with twelve months or more experience are eligible to apply via the foundation equivalence route [www.copdend.org]

Essential

• Shows initiative/drive/enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative) and an awareness of own limitations

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

• Capacity to manage/prioritise time and information effectively
• Is well prepared, shows self-discipline/commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)
• Capacity to work effectively with others and understands the importance of working in teams
• Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues 
• Capacity to operate under pressure. Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing circumstances

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test

Essential

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

When is this evaluated?

• Situational judgement test