Dental Vocational Training

Introduction to DVT

DVT is organised and administered by NHS Education Scotland (NES) separately from the rest of the UK. Completion of DVT and NES Mandatory training allows you to be eligible to hold a Health Board list number in Scotland and work in NHS General Dental Practice.

DVT introduces you to primary care dentistry within a supportive environment where you will be known as a Vocational Dental Practitioner (VDP). You will be paired with at least one DVT Trainer in the same practice, offering guidance and regular tutorials. During your DVT year, you will typically spend four days practicing dentistry, one day on day release at a study day course and engage in regular in-practice tutorials with your trainer. For more remote practices, study days can be structured in three-day blocks.

Types of DVT

All Scottish DVT places are one-year posts:

• General dental service (GDS): Most places are in the GDS at high street dental practices
• Public dental service (PDS): Only a few posts are in the PDS which provides a unique opportunity to work alongside other dental professionals with a variety of specialties in a multidisciplinary team.

NES follows a ‘lead employer model’ and employs all VDPs directly.

Scheme locations

Individual training practices may change as trainers need to reapply each year, but the schemes and the five education centres tend to remain the same. An updated list of Scheme locations can be found in the DVT information booklet and visitation dates and trainer profiles are also available.

Online application via Oriel

All new UK dental graduates must complete DVT to work in NHS general dental practice. Many hospital positions are also likely to require successful completion of DVT, as the two systems are connected.

The application process is competitive and open to UK and EU graduates, applicants who did not receive a place previously, and certain overseas dentists who have passed GDC registration exams. This means that the number of applicants usually exceed the available places. Remember, there is no possibility to make changes to your application once submitted.

Training practices process

Each training practice provides a prospectus on the NES Portal in spring, and you can use this information to plan for the visitation period. Allocations occur after final exam results, leaving limited time for arrangements, including receiving your health board number. Seek early advice and clarify requirements so you are ready when this time comes.

Thoughtfully consider all practices before applying and visit any of interest. Some regions may offer travel expense reimbursement upon NES agreement. Interviews can be in-person or online.

Unlike the rest of the UK, Scottish DVT applicants are often required to submit a CV and attend interviews. Due to similar applicant backgrounds, we recommend having a standout CV. Our CV writing advice can support you with this process.

Matching process

The matching scheme puts applicants and training practices together based on preferences given to NES. It is carried out via the NES Portal and must be completed by the stated deadline.

Ranking is done at the end of the visitation period and deadlines must be strictly followed. Applicants can rank up to five practices, and trainers can list up to seven students. The process is highly competitive, limiting your choices will limit your chances of being matched.

Direct appointment

Practices outside a 40-mile radius of any of the five teaching centres are permitted to appoint a VDP without going through the matching process. Direct appointment is different from the remote and rural allowance which you are entitled to if you carry out work in remote areas. If you are looking for a practice with a remote and rural allowance, you should double check the practice is eligible.

Matching results

Results are released via email and, if successful, you must confirm your place, liaise with trainers, and complete necessary formalities. Conditional offers hinge on exam success, GDC registration, and satisfactory pre-employment checks which will be carried out by the relevant Health Board. If you are not placed, you may apply for interviews with unmatched practices on a first come, first served basis.