National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE1)
***This is an annual process. The application window opens late August and closes mid October. 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 for NCDCE 1 is available at the link below.
Guidance for submitting an application [Word]
NCDCE 1 Guidance Video.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about the process please see the FAQs below.
How to apply for NCDCE 1
*The application window will open on 31st August 2026 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
2026 Dates
The dates for the November 2026 NCDCE 1 application process (ie for 2027/28 training year) are:
- Application window opens - Monday 31st August - 10:00 am.
- Application window closes - Monday 19th October - 11:59 pm.
- Evidence upload window closes - Wednesday 21st October - 4:00 pm.
- Applications to be considered by the assessment panels - 9th - 11th November.
- Unsuccessful applicants can appeal the outcome - Friday 13th November 12:00 pm - Friday 20th November 12:00 pm.
- Outcome of appeal process - From 9th December.
PLEASE NOTE - The DCT1 equivalence process is for applicants to DCT2.
Contact us
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Last updated: Thursday, January 29, 2026