National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE1)

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

***Applicants must have at least 24 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The guidance FAQs are currently being updated and will be uploaded below once ready.

FAQs [PDF]

How to apply for NCDCE 1

*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

2025 Dates

The dates for the September 2025 NCDCE 1 application process (ie for 2026/27 training year) are:

• Application window opens - Monday 7th July - 10:00 am.
• Application window closes - Monday 1st September - 23:59 pm.
• Window to upload evidence closes - Wednesday 3rd September - 4:00 pm.
• Applications to be considered by the assessment panel - 16th - 17th September.
• Unsuccessful applicants can appeal the outcome - Thursday 18th September 12:00 pm - Thursday 25th September 12:00 pm.
• Outcome of appeal process - From 3rd October.

PLEASE NOTE - The DCT1 equivalence process is for applicants to DCT2.

Contact us

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

nes.dentaldct2equivalence@nhs.scot