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Wales Dental Therapy Foundation Training (WDTFT) Programme

Newly-Qualified Dental Therapists

The application window for foundation therapists is now open to 30th April 2026.

This programme starts each September and covers the whole of Wales. It provides a structured introduction to working in NHS general dental practice for newly-qualified dental therapists. The main strands of the programme are (a) working in a protected environment within an approved practice, which has been selected to provide training and mentoring (b) backed by a programme of study days, lectures and conferences organised by the Dental Deanery HEIW (c) receiving tutorial/feedback sessions once a month with the practice educational supervisor and (d) completion of a reflective portfolio. The positions in practice are for two days a week, so they can be combined with split jobs in other practices or full-time if the training practice has the capacity.  Please be aware, however, that therapists must commit to the 12 mandatory study days if working in a split-job capacity.

To make the employment arrangements and processes for the Dental Therapist Foundation Trainees more effective and efficient for everyone involved, from September 2026 the Trainees will be employed via Single Lead Employer (SLE) – NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP).

Contact heiw.wdtftenquiries@wales.nhs.uk for further information.
 

General Dental Practitioners

The scheme runs from September each year for a period of 52 weeks. Applications are invited from NHS general dental practitioners based in Wales, with at least four years' experience, to become an educational supervisor on the programme.

The application window for educational supervisors will close on 17th April 2026. 
 
  • Educational supervisors will support a foundation therapist in general dental practice for two days per week, during a 12-month programme.
  • Educational supervisors will receive reimbursement of 100% of the foundation therapist's pro-rata salary.
  • Educational supervisors are required to give one tutorial per month and to supervise daily practice
  • Educational supervisors are required to assist the foundation therapist in the completion of a portfolio
  • All fees from the foundation therapist’s work accrue to the practice
  • Existing Dental Foundation Training Educational Supervisors (DFT) have automatic approval for this programme. An informal practice visit may be arranged, however.
  • WDTFT Educational Supervisors approved within the last three years have automatic approval for this year’s programme.
  • Interviews will take place in April, for those who are not DFT Educational Supervisors or who have not been approved in the last three years.
  • To make the employment arrangements and processes for the Dental Therapist Foundation Trainees more effective and efficient for everyone involved, from September 2026 the trainees will be employed via Single Lead Employer (SLE) – NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP).

Would you like to join our group of approved dental practices for future programmes?  If so, we would like to hear from you. Contact heiw.wdtftenquiries@wales.nhs.uk for further information. 

To apply to this year’s programme, go to: https://desap.heiw.wales/. Guidance on how to apply through DESAP can be found here. 

As part of the application process, you will be required to provide a short Powerpoint Presentation. Guidance on this will be sent to you on request.

Got a question? Contact us