Dental Specialty Training

Dental Specialty Training

Specialty training leads to inclusion on one of the GDC’s specialist lists. The training period depends on the specialty and varies from three to five years.

Scotland offers programmes in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry and Special Care Dentistry.

Specialty training in Scotland is recruited both nationally, by NHS England, and locally, by Public Services Delivery Scotland dependant on what specialty you are applying to.

National Recruitment to Specialty Training (NHS England Recruitment Offices)

For information including timetables, recruitment documents and how to apply, please go to the COPDEND website. 

Recruitment for Dental Specialty Training in Orthodontics, Paediatrics and Oral Surgery will be carried out on a UK-wide basis.

Specialty training 2027 national recruitment timetable

Specialty training 2027 national person specifications

Local Recruitment to Specialty Training

Specialty training results in eligibility for inclusion on one of the GDC’s specialist lists. The duration of training varies by specialty and typically lasts between three and five years.

Applications are now closed for the 2026/27 Training Year and the recruitment process has concluded.

Information regarding recruitment for training commencing in 2027 will published on this page in due course.

If you have any queries about speciality training in Scotland, please contact us by going to the Service Desk here and submitting a support request.