NHS Education for Scotland
A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland
A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland
A process has been developed to facilitate applications to Dental Core Training 2 posts from individuals who have not followed a standard UK training pathway (Dental Foundation, Dental Core Training 1). The process can be used by applicants for DCT2 posts if they have not already undertaken a DCT1 post.
A dentist who wishes to apply for Dental Core Training Year 2 is required to demonstrate the competencies acquired at the end of UK Dental Foundation training (i.e. Satisfactory Completion) at the time of interview and of UK Dental Core training year 1 at the time of post commencement. If a dentist has not undergone UK DCT1, and they consider that they have acquired experience and/or training which should be regarded as equivalent to DCT1, they can apply to have this confirmed through the National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE) process.
The guidance document is currently being updated and will be uploaded here as soon as possible.
Guidance for submitting an application [Word]
The guidance video for NCDCE 1 is currently being updated and will be uploaded below once ready.
The guidance FAQs are currently being updated and will be uploaded below once ready.
FAQs [PDF]
*The application window will open on 7th July 2025 at 10:00 am.*
If you wish to apply for the NCDCE 1 process please provide your details at the link below:
Equivalence process login details request form
The dates for the September 2025 NCDCE 1 application process (ie for 2026/27 training year) are:
PLEASE NOTE - The DCT1 equivalence process is for applicants to DCT2.
If you have any queries or require further information please contact:
nes.dentaldct2equivalence@nhs.scot
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.
Please be aware that we are currently updating the guidance for NCDCE 2 but you can still access the current version.
Guidance for submitting an application [Word]
Please see our Guidance Video below for applying for NCDCE 2.
*The application window will open on 7th July 2025 at 10:00 am .*
If you wish to apply for the NCDCE 2 process please provide your details at the link below:
Equivalence process login details request form
The dates for the September 2025 NCDCE 2 application process (ie for 2026/27 training year) are:
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.
If you have any queries or require further information please contact:
Last updated: Thursday, January 9, 2025