National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE)

***This is an annual process. The application window opens early August and closes early September. There are no additional opportunities to apply outside of this application window.***

***Applicants must have at least 36 months, full-time equivalent, postgraduate clinical experience to the full scope of a dentist, at the time of application.***

A process has been developed to facilitate applications to Specialty Training posts from individuals who have not followed a standard UK training pathway (Dental Foundation, Dental Core Training). The process can also be used by applicants for DCT3 posts if they have not already undertaken a DCT2 post.

A dentist who wishes to apply for Specialty Training is required to demonstrate the competencies acquired at the end of UK Dental Core training year 1 (i.e. outcome 1) at the time of interview and of UK Dental Core training year 2 at the time of post commencement. This is currently the case for the majority of dental specialities. If a dentist has not undergone UK Dental Core Training year 2, they may apply for the National Certification of Dental Core Equivalence. If the dentist considers that they have acquired experience and/or training which should be regarded as equivalent to DCT2, they can apply for the National Certification of Dental Core Equivalence.

Guidance for submitting an application [Word]

Please see our Guidance Video below.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs [PDF]

How to register for NCDCE

*The registration window is now CLOSED.*

If you wish to register for the NCDCE process please provide your details at the link below:

Equivalence process login details request form

2025 Dates

The dates for the September 2025 NCDCE application process (ie for 2026/27 training year) are:

To be confirmed.

2024 dates

The dates for the September 2024 NCDCE application process (ie for 2025/26 training year) are:

• Application window opens - Tuesday 30th July - 10:00 am.
• Application window closes - Tuesday 27th August - 4:00 pm.
• Window to upload evidence closes - Friday 30th August - 4:00 pm.
• Applications to be considered by the assessment panel - 10th - 13th September.
• Unsuccessful applicants can appeal the outcome - From 16th September.
• Outcome of appeal process - From 2nd October.

PLEASE NOTE - The DCT2 equivalence process is for applicants to Specialty Training and also for applicants to DCT3 who have not already undertaken a DCT2 post.

Contact us

If you have any queries or require further information please contact:

nes.dentaldct2equivalence@nhs.scot