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.
The DVT Curriculum Competency Framework is organised into four ‘Domains’ of competency, each of which contain a number of ‘Major Competency’ areas within which the individual competency statements are described. An overview of the Domains and Major Competencies within the DVT Competency Framework can be reviewed by clicking on the link below.
VT Curriculum and Competencies Document 2024
Vocational Training in Scotland 2025/26 - Webinar
The Dental Team held an informative VT visitation and recruitment webinar on Tuesday, 20th August. Here is a recording of this webinar
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.
Recruitment to Training Year 2025/26 has now closed.
Recruitment Timeline
Date |
Recruitment Activity |
Wednesday, 11th September 2024 at 12pm |
Oriel opens for DVT applications |
Wednesday, 16th October 2024 at 12pm |
Oriel closes for DVT applications and supporting documents upload |
By Monday, 2nd December 2024 |
Application Outcomes released via Oriel |
Friday, 16th to Monday 19th May 2025 |
Rural Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and Rural practices eligible to make direct appointments (Visitation open for Rural Practices only) |
Monday, 19th May 2025 at 10am to Friday 30th May 2025 at 10am | Remaining Trainer Prospectus live on DTIS and direct appointments can be made (Visitation open for all other practices) |
Friday 30th May 2025 at 10am |
Candidate preferencing available on Oriel |
Friday,6th June 2025 at 10am |
Candidate preferencing window closes |
Tuesday, 10th June 2025 at 10am |
Matching Results Released via Oriel |
Thursday, 12th June 2025 by 5pm |
Clearing Opens |
Monday, 1st September 2025 |
Training posts commence |
*Please note all above dates are subject to change
DVT Information Booklet 2025-2026
DVT Person Specification 2025-2026
NES 2025-2026 DVT Applicant Guide
DVT Structured Reference Form 2025-2026
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
Applications for DVT Trainer Recruitment 2025/2026 opened on Monday, 14th October 2024 at 10am. Applications can be submitted via the following link
The closing date for applications is Friday, 6th December 2024 at 12pm for new Trainer Applications.
For existing Trainer Applications, the closing date is Monday, 27th January 2025 at 12pm.
For information on Trainer Recruitment please see documents below:
VT Trainer Advert for Training Year 2025/2026
Becoming a Vocational Trainer Booklet
Becoming a Vocational Trainer FAQs
Recruitment timeline
Date |
Recruitment Activity |
Monday, 14th October 2024 at 10am |
Portal opens for all trainer applications |
Friday, 6th December 2024 at 12pm |
Closing date for DVT new trainer applications |
Monday, 27th January 2025 at 12pm |
Closing date for DVT existing and returning* trainer applications |
October 2024 - March 2025 |
DVT trainer screening & reviews |
Early April 2025 |
DVT trainer review outcomes issued to trainers |
Wednesday, 16th April 2025 |
Access to DTIS and completion of practice prospectus |
Wednesday, 7th May 2025 at 10am |
Deadline for submission of practice prospectus |
Friday, 16th May 2025 at 10am |
DVT visitation period starts – rural practices only |
Monday, 19th May 2025 at 10am |
DVT visitation period starts – all other practices |
Friday, 30th May 2025 at 10am
|
DVT preference list opens |
Friday, 6th June 2025 at 10am |
DVT preference list deadline |
Tuesday, 10th June 2025 at 10am |
DVT matching results released |
Thursday, 12th June 2025 by 5pm
|
DVT clearing opens (direct appointments) |
Monday, 1st September 2025 |
New trainees commence training programme |
*A returning trainer is an applicant who has NOT been out of VT for more than the last two training cycles
If you have any queries in relation to the application process, please contact the Trainee Service team using the contact link below:
https://nesdigital.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/30
The Dental Team held a 'Becoming a Dental Vocational Trainer' webinar on Tuesday, 24th of September 2024. To view the recording, please click here
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.
In relation to training specific enquiries please contact the VT Hub at vthub@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Last updated: Wednesday, November 27, 2024