Flexible training opportunities
If you are applying to enter Dental Core or Specialty Training but are unable to train full time, you may be able to apply for one of our flexible training options.
Your eligibility and options available to you will be dependent on what level training you are undertaking.
Less than Full Time (LTFT) training
If you are undertaking Dental Core or Specialty Training, you may be eligible to apply for LTFT training.
Non-urgent advice: Dental Core Training (DCT) options
Less than Full Time (LTFT) training is the only flexible training option for those undertaking a DCT post.
You can apply for LTFT training under one of 2 categories.
Other well-founded or personal reasons not listed above may be considered. Approval is dependent on the capacity of the programme and available resources.
LTFT training requirements
You will normally be required to undertake no less than 50% of full-time training. In exceptional individual circumstances which are agreed by the Postgraduate Dental Dean in advance, you may be allowed to undertake training at less than 50% of full time for a limited period.
How to apply for LTFT training
Please contact your Regional Office (Deanery) and Training Programme Director (TPD) for more information on the application process, window and deadlines. It is important to give at least 16 weeks’ notice of your wish to train LTFT to allow sufficient time for the employing Trust to be notified and to discuss with the TPD for the purposes of rotation planning.
Further information is available on the COPDEND website and found within the Dental Gold Guide 2021.
Additional flexible training opportunities for Dental Specialty Training (DST)
In addition to LTFT training, if you are undertaking a DST post you may be eligible for other flexible training opportunities.
The options available to you depend on the region you are training in. Ensure you check the eligibility criteria for each training option to see whether it is available in your region.
Find out more about the different options available below.
Overview of flexible training opportunities for DST
The flexible training opportunities available if you are undertaking Dental Specialty Training are: Less than Full Time (LTFT) training, Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT), Out of Programme (OOP) and Supported Return to Training (SuppoRTT).
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The NHS is committed to increasing flexibility
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in postgraduate dental training
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to empower personal development, enhance wellbeing and reduce burnout.
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We currently offer several flexible training options, including...
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the ability to train Less than Full Time or LTFT for short.
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Eligibility.
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All dentists in training are eligible to apply
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to train at LTFT once appointed to post.
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Well-founded reasons may include unique
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opportunities for personal and professional developments;
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ill health or disability;
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Caring responsibilities and religious commitments.
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You are normally required to undertake
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no less than 50% of full-time training.
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We also offer the opportunity for dentists in training to take time
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out of their programme, otherwise known as ‘Out Of Programme' or OOP.
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There are four types of OOP available for dentists in training.
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‘Out Of Programme For Clinical Experience’ or OOPE.
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Taking a break to gain professional skills that will enhance their future practice.
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e.g.
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Skills in leadership, Academia, Education, Patient
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Safety or experience different working practices or areas.
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‘Out Of Programme For Research’ or OOPR.
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Taking time out to pursue research for periods over 6 months.
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‘Out Of Programme For Clinical Training’.
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OOPT.
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Taking a break to undertake
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clinical training outside of the specialty training programme.
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‘Out Of Programme For Career Break’.
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OOPC.
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Taking a break for a designated and agreed period to pursue other interests e.g.
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domestic responsibilities, industry, etc.
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Eligibility.
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To be eligible to take time out of programme,
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you will usually have completed 12 months of training.
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Application.
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If you wish to apply for a flexible option, it's good to discuss
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and plan with your educational supervisor or training programme director
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as it can take up to three months from applying to starting.
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You can apply online through your local office’s website.
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For LTFT you will need to give at least 16 weeks notice to your department.
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For OOP you must give at least 6 months notice
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in advance of the proposed start date.
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Want to know more?
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Contact your local office and more information can be found
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in the Dental Gold Guide.
Media last reviewed: 19 June 2023
Next review due: 19 June 2024
Overview of Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT)
An overview of Flexible Portfolio Training (FPT).
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The NHS is committed to increasing flexibility
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in postgraduate dental training. Flexible Portfolio Training, or FPT for short,
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is a new and exciting opportunity to lead
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and engage with a meaningful project.
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It aims to protect one day per week
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or 20% time equivalent for one year to support non-clinical professional
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growth, increase exposure to new ways
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of working, teamwork and leadership,
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improve your ability to adapt to future
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needs and delivery responsibilities.
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Your project may focus on health care education, health entrepreneurship,
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technology, quality improvement, leadership or research.
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You may have the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate certificate
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in medical education, health care leadership or clinical research.
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These areas may vary regionally
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and other topics are subject to approval.
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Eligibility.
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This opportunity is currently being piloted for all full time
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and less than full time dentists in training within the London
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and Kent, Surrey and Sussex region and Yorkshire and Humber region.
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Once evaluated,
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this may be rolled out across further regions.
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Each dental specialty within these regions will allocate a year
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or range of years where you can apply for this scheme.
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You must be supported by your training programme director
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and you must have achieved an ‘outcome 1’ at your last annual
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review of competence progression, or ARCP for short.
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Application.
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If eligible, you must submit a proposal outlining your project interests,
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supported by a suitable supervisor together with the application
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form and cover letter.
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The number of places allocated to this scheme
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per year will depend on the quality of applications.
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Whilst undertaking Flexible Portfolio Training,
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there are some important considerations you should be aware of.
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You will need to complete an initial assessment
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with your flexible portfolio training supervisor at the start of each year
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or rotation, to develop a realistic personal development plan
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and complete interim meetings also.
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Evidence must be regularly updated on your e-portfolio,
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including reports, appraisals, 360 Feedback and reflections on learning.
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This will be reviewed by your educational supervisor,
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or ES, to ensure that you are progressing at an expected rate.
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Your FPT supervisor will complete a report
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which will form part of your annual review of competence progression process.
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If you are interested in exploring these options, you should contact
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the London and Kent, Surrey and Sussex or Yorkshire and Humber Local Offices.
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More information can be found in the Dental Gold Guide.
English (United Kingdom)
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Media last reviewed: 19 June 2023
Next review due: 19 June 2024
Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023
Next review due: 20 June 2024