Dental vocational (foundation) training
Dental Vocational Training (DVT), is organised and administered on a Scotland-wide basis by NHS Education for Scotland (NES). The main components of DVT include: a centralised recruitment process and a standardised training programme designed to help recently qualified dentists make the transition from undergraduate teaching to independent practice.
Vocational Training in Scotland 2026/27 - Webinar
The Dental Team held an informative VT visitation and recruitment webinar on Tuesday, 19th August, which can be viewed via the following link: https://vimeo.com/1113921763
This resource can be made available in full or summary form, in alternative formats and community languages.
Please email: nes.dentaldigitaleducationteam@nhs.scot to discuss how we can best meet your requirements.
Trainee Recruitment
Recruitment to Training Year 2026/27 commences in September 2025. Applications open on Oriel on 10th September 2025 and close on 15th October 2025.
The link to the advert will be published on this website on the 10th September 2025.
Recruitment Timeline
|
Date |
Recruitment Activity |
|
Wednesday, 10th September 2025 at 12pm |
Oriel opens for DVT applications |
|
Wednesday, 15th October 2025 at 12pm |
Oriel closes for DVT applications and supporting documents upload |
|
By Monday, 1st December 2025 |
Application Outcomes released via Oriel |
|
Friday, 29th May 2026 to Monday, 1st June 2026 |
Rural Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and Rural practices eligible to make direct appointments (Visitation open for Rural Practices only) |
|
Friday, 29th May 2026 to Monday, 1st June 2026
|
Only Rural practices will be eligible to make direct appointments during this period. |
|
Monday, 1st June 2026 at 10am |
Remaining Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and direct appointments can be made (Visitation open for all other practices) |
|
Monday, 1st June 2026 at 10am to Friday, 12th June 2026 at 10am |
Visitation open but only direct appointments can be made |
|
Friday, 12th June 2026 at 10am |
Candidate preferencing available on Oriel |
|
Friday, 19th June 2026 at 10am |
Candidate preferencing window closes |
|
Tuesday, 23rd June 2026 at 10am |
Matching Results Released via Oriel |
|
Thursday, 25th June 2026 by 5pm |
Clearing Opens |
|
Tuesday, 1st September 2026 |
Training posts commence |
*Please note all above dates are subject to change
Vocational Training Allowances are determined within the Statement of Dental Remuneration on the Scottish Dental website. Any details, including VT Salary information, can be found here Statement of Dental Remuneration | Scottish Dental
Therapist Vocational Training (TVT)
Therapist Vocational Training (TVT) recruitment is organised and administered on a Scotland-wide basis by NHS Education for Scotland (NES).
Dental Therapy is a discipline which requires a particular set of skills and knowledge. Vocational training has emerged as a means of developing these skills in new dental therapist graduates. The accepted model of vocational training comprises 12 months of supervised clinical experience in an approved training practice or clinic; supplemented by an educational programme, which includes tutorials and study days.
Trainee Recruitment Section
Recruitment to Training Year 2026/27 commences in September 2025. Applications open on Oriel on 10th September 2025 and close on 15th October 2025.
The link to the advert will be published on this website on the 10th September 2025.
Recruitment Timeline
|
Date |
Recruitment Activity |
|
Wednesday, 10th September 2025 at 12pm |
Oriel opens for TVT applications |
|
Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 12pm |
Oriel closes for TVT applications and supporting documents upload |
|
By Monday, 1st December 2025 |
Application Outcomes released via Oriel |
|
Friday, 29th May 2026 to Monday, 1st June 2026 |
Rural Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and Rural practices eligible to make direct appointments (Visitation open for Rural Practices only) |
|
Friday 29th May 2026 to Monday, 1st June 2026 |
Only Rural practices will be eligible to make direct appointments during this period. |
|
Monday, 1st June 2026 at 10am |
Remaining Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and direct appointments can be made (Visitation open for all other practices) |
|
Monday, 1st June 2026 at 10am to Friday 12th June 2026 at 10am |
Visitation open but only direct appointments can be made |
|
Tuesday, 23rd June 2026 at 10am |
Matching Results Released via Oriel |
|
Thursday, 25th June 2026 by 5pm |
Clearing Opens |
|
Tuesday, 1st September 2026 |
Training posts commence |
*Please note all above dates are subject to change
The below documents will be published on this website shortly.
TVT Information Booklet
TVT Person Specification
TVT Structured Reference Form
Trainer Recruitment Section
Recruitment timeline and documents for training year 2026 / 2027 will be made available in due course.
Contact us
Recruitment Enquiries
If you have any feedback, comments, concerns or complaints regarding the Dental Recruitment process, please contact us by going to the Service Desk here and submitting a support request.
Training Specific Enquiries
In relation to training specific enquiries please contact the VT Hub at vthub@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Last updated: Monday, September 1, 2025