All dentists joining an NHS Health Board List as a Principal or Associate are required to hold a Vocational Training Number.
Applying online
All dentists applying for a Vocational Training (VT) Number or Orthodontic Vocational Training Number must apply using the eGP21C application form.
Please submit your related documents to the following email address: DentalVTNumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk
All dentists applying under Category E - must apply using the eGP21C application form and submit all required documentation to the following email address: DentalVTNumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Important note:
Application for a Health Board List Number
All dentists must simultaneously submit a GP21 application to the relevant NHS Health Board for a list number.
The Scottish Dental Vocational Training and Equivalence Certification Committee (SDVTECC) will check that the NHS Health Board has received the completed GP21 from the dentist.
Application categories
Category A – Satisfactory completion of Vocational/Foundation training.
For dentists who have completed VT in Scotland there is no need to send in the completion certificate as SDVTECC already holds this information.
For those who have completed VT elsewhere in the UK the completion certificate must be submitted.
Category B – Member of the European Economic Area.
NOTE: EEA Nationals must provide their nationality and country of qualification.
Category C – Dental List/Performer Number.
For dentists who already hold an NHS Health Board list/performer number the full number and the name of the NHS Health Board/Primary Care Trust must be provided.
NOTE: For dentists who currently hold a performer number in England, Wales or Northern Ireland they must provide a scanned copy of a letter from the Primary Care Trust which confirms the date the number was awarded.
Category D – Public Dental Service or Armed Forces.
Please submit a scanned copy of a letter from your employer confirming your work experience with full dates.
Category E - Experience equivalent to Vocational/Foundation Training.
Please submit a full application and include all documents specified in the guidance notes below. Your application will be submitted to the next scheduled meeting of the Scottish Dental Vocational Training and Equivalence Certification Committee (SDVTECC).
VT Number following satisfactory completion of vocational training
All dentists who have successfully completed vocational (foundational) training and are going to work as an Associate in an NHS dental practice in Scotland are required to join a NHS Health Board dental list and apply for a vocational training number, as stated in The National Health Service (General Dental Services) (Scotland) Regulations. (Scottish Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 292 The National Health Service (Vocational Training for General Dental Practitioners) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Section on Applications for vocational training numbers 2.(1)(ii))
Once confirmation of satisfactory completion of the VT year is received, dentists can apply for a VT number via the process described above.
Part 1 of the GP21C asks for details of the applicant's qualifications and registration with the GDC. The applicant must also provide the name of the NHS Health Board and the full name and address of the practice where they will be working.
The Scottish Dental Vocational Training and Equivalence Certification Committee (SDVTECC) will confirm that the NHS Health Board has received an application (GP21) from the dentist to join its dental list.
Part 2 – The dentist must complete section A and provide the dates when vocational training was undertaken and the region in which they were working.
Part 3– Declaration – All dentists must confirm this section before submitting.
Do not send practising certificates or registration documents as these will be required by the NHS Health Board.
Allow at least two weeks from submitting an application for the VT number to be awarded.
If an applicant gains a VT number, and does not practise within a five year period, the VT number expires.
Experience equivalent to Vocational/Foundation Training
Please note - There is no Vocational Training by Equivalence (VTE) in Scotland. Applications to the Scottish Dental Vocational Training and Equivalence Certification Committee (SDVTECC) are individually assessed by the committee members to consider whether a dentist’s experience is equivalent to twelve months spent working full-time in a dental vocational training programme.
Application process
To apply for a VT Number please complete the eGP21C application form and submit your portfolio to DentalVtNumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk. You will receive an email confirming receipt when you have submitted your application.
At the same time, the dentist must also submit an application form (GP21) to the relevant NHS Health Board for a Health Board list number. The Scottish Dental Vocational Training and Equivalence Certification Committee (SDVTECC) will check that the Health Board has received the completed GP21 from the dentist.
Please submit the following documents as PDF attachments:
- GP21C
- Cover letter
- CV and General practice experience and treatments
- CPD Log
- CPD Certificates (Must be in chronological order and in a Zipped folder)
- Personal Development Plan
- Dental Reference Officer Reports
- NES approved Quality Improvement certificate
- References
Saving your documents
When saving your documents please name each individual attachment using the format – initial, surname document name e.g InitialSurname GP21C.
Application guide
Applying for equivalence - Guidance [DOC]
Provide all the information below in the following order - Checklist for equivalence applications [DOC]
| Document | Description |
| eGP21C | Application for a Vocational Training Number. |
| Curriculum Vitae | This should include dates of all employment since qualification (in chronological order) as well as indicating whether posts were full or part time. If part-time, the number of sessions should be stated. |
| This should include dates of all employment since qualification (in chronological order) as well as indicating whether posts were full or part time. If part-time, the number of sessions should be stated. | All periods of primary dental care should be highlighted. Details of the range and scope of general dental practice undertaken should include clinical elements, managerial elements, continuing care, and which of these encompassed a wide range of age groups. For example, SDVTECC will need to know if the applicant has carried out the full range of general dental practice, or if he/she has specialised in one area such as oral surgery or orthodontics. SDVTECC will also need to know if the applicant has been involved in the management and training of staff. Please also bear in mind that with the change to the regulations (2004), only training and experience gained in the five years immediately prior to the application will be deemed valid (see Scottish Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 292 The National Health Service (Vocational Training for General Dental Practitioners) (Scotland) Regulations 2004, Section on Applications for vocational training numbers 2.(1)(ii)). |
| Continuing Professional Development (CPD) summary log | A list of all recommended* postgraduate courses undertaken over the last 5 years and certificates of attendance at all courses should be included. Details should include the date of attendance or on-line, the content and duration of the course, the location of the course, the provider, CPD points awarded and whether there was any 'hands on' practice. All of the above data MUST BE completed on the attached CPD log blank template. Please put courses in chronological order, newest to oldest. *The GDC eCPD guidance document and website pages detail the recommended subjects for all dental professionals. It also states that dental professionals must complete CPD relevant to their field(s) of practice. It requires all registrants to: · Keep and regularly update a Personal Development Plan (PDP) · Keep and regularly update a log of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) · Keep evidence of CPD (Certificates) PLEASE NOTE Dental vocational training in Scotland covers all of the recommended subjects as well as a broad range of subjects that span the GDC Development outcomes detailed in the guidance. It is therefore expected that anyone applying under equivalence be able to evidence a similar commitment to CPD in recent years and an ongoing commitment within their PDP. |
| CPD certificates | All original CPD certificates must be provided in chronological order (newest to oldest). |
| Personal Development Plan (PDP) | A Personal Development Plan (PDP) must be included. This should provide reflection on personal learning, clinical performance and areas of development to help plan for personal, educational and career progression. |
| Quality Improvement | Please submitcertification of approvedquality improvement projects. All QI projects(audit or significant event analysis)must be a minimum of 5 hours and be NES-approved (see Quality Improvement Activity | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)). A copy of your completion certificate from NES must be provided. Quality Improvement activity in dental practice is an NHS terms and conditions of service requirement. It should be noted that it is compulsory under the VT programme in Scotland for trainees to complete at least one quality improvement project PLEASE NOTE: The NES Portal is no longer open to all dentists. To ensure that your audit application or your eSEA report is not rejected, you will need to email the QI Hub, in advance of any applications you intend to submit to make them aware that you are going to be submitting an application to the equivalence panel. If you do not do so, your project will not be accepted and will be rejected, slowing down your equivalence application. Please email: QI.Hub@nes.scot.nhs.uk stating your name, your GDC number and your Health Board and if possible, the date that you intend to submit your QI project. This will ensure that your project is not rejected and is either reviewed and approved (audit) or reviewed and certified (eSEA). |
| Dental Reference Officers (DRO) Reports | A copy of any DRO Reports must be provided if available. |
| References | You must provide three references from dentally qualified professional colleagues (i.e. not from Dental Care Professionals) who know you professionally and who are able to testify as to your clinical ability and fitness to practise. References should be from your current or most recent employer. Only references pertaining to clinical experience undertaken in the last five years will be considered. All References must be submitted on the SDVTECC structured reference form [DOCX]. Referees should email their reference directly to DentalVTNumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk and mark as CONFIDENTIAL. The subject line should include the applicant’s full name and their GDC number. EG - CONFIDENTIAL REFERENCE FOR MR/MRS XXXX GDC NO 00000 |
Please note, that if the information is not in the required format the committee can refuse to consider the application.
Equivalence meeting dates 2022
| Closing date | Meeting date | Meeting time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 14thJanuary | Wednesday 2nd February | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 25thFebruary | Wednesday 16thMarch | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 15thApril | Wednesday 4thMay | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 2nd June | Wednesday 22ndJune | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 29thJuly | Wednesday 17thAugust | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 16thSeptember | Wednesday 5thOctober | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 4th November | Wednesday 23rd November | 9:00 a.m. |
| Friday 2ndDecember | Wednesday 21stDecember | 9:00 a.m. |
Closing date
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered until the next meeting.
Any additional documentation received after the closing date will only be presented to the panel at the Chair's discretion.
If you have any queries or require help with your application please contact the Dental Vocational Training Secretariat at dentalvtnumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
Contact us
For further information please contact -
DentalVTNumbers@nes.scot.nhs.uk
FAQs
Who does not need a vocational training number?
Dentists who are going to be Vocational Trainees or Assistants do not need to apply for a VT number however they are required to be on a Health Board's list before they can assist in the provision of NHS General Dental Services.
If a dentist has a current contract with a Health Board and then takes on additional contracts within the same Health Board he/she does not require a VT number. Likewise, if he/she completes a contract one day and starts a new contract the next day with the same Health Board he/she does not require a VT number.
PLEASE NOTE - if there is a break from being included on the same Health Board's dental list, which is longer than a weekend, the dentist requires a vocational training number before he/she can rejoin.
FAQs
What is a vocational dentist? ›
(VDP) A recently qualified dentist, formerly called a vocational trainee, who continues to train and work during the first year of practice under the guidance of an experienced general dental practitioner (vocational dental practitioner trainer) as part of the vocational training scheme.
What is VTE dentist? ›Local assessment panels usually recommend a period of supervision from 9 months to 1.5 years undertaken by a suitable mentor. That mentor will need to demonstrate his/her knowledge and experience of working as a dentist within the General Dental Services. This process is known as Vocational Training by Equivalence.
What qualifications do you need to be an orthodontist Scotland? ›- Obtain good A level grades, generally ABB or higher in order to secure a place at university to study dentistry (in Scotland this will be ABBBB or higher). ...
- It usually takes 5 years to become a dentist and obtain a degree in dentistry (the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS degree).
To practise as a dentist in Scotland, you must complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). This takes five years as an undergraduate and one year as a vocational dental practitioner. The universities in Scotland where you can study dentistry are: University of Dundee.
Is dentistry a vocational degree? ›Dentistry is a highly vocational degree and this is reflected in the destination data of graduates. Three quarters of graduates (74%) in employment in the UK are working as health professionals - 3% are health associate professionals.
What is vocational training program? ›Vocational education and training, abbreviated as VET, sometimes simply called vocational training, is the training in skills and teaching of knowledge related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation in which the student or employee wishes to participate.
What is the difference between VTE and PE? ›Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower extremities. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, a potential life threat. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to DVT, PE, or both.
How much does a dentist make UK? ›Average £19,899 per year.
How do you get VTE? ›...
Risk factors for DVT include:
- Age. ...
- Lack of movement. ...
- Injury or surgery. ...
- Pregnancy. ...
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy.
The Dental School considers applications from graduates who have a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject, and must demonstrate the equivalence of Chemistry and Biology (Grade A, A Level/Higher) and Maths or Physics (Grade B, GCSE/Higher) obtained within the last 6 years.
How much do orthodontist make in Scotland? ›
Average £30,808 per year.
What qualification do you need to be a dentist? ›Undergraduate dental education
To qualify as a dentist you must complete five years' training for a degree at university. You will spend much of the five years learning practical skills as well as attending academic lectures and seminars.
Average £86,688 per year.
What do dentists earn in Scotland? ›...
Highest Paying Areas for Dentist, Scotland.
| Area | Aberdeen |
|---|---|
| YoY Salary Change | 54.6% |
| Average salary | £45,426 |
| Vacancies | 103 |
How much does a Dentist at NHS make? The typical NHS Dentist salary is £52,988 per year. Dentist salaries at NHS can range from £32,530 - £107,190 per year.
What is a dentistry degree called? ›There are two types of general dental degrees: a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine). These are the same degree, and dentists with a DDS or DMD have the same education.
What course is dentistry under? ›The DMD program is a six-year program consisting of basic dental and medical science, clinical science and dental public health courses. Included also are research, hospital internship and some general education courses.
What is dentist education called? ›BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) is a 5-years undergraduate program and the only approved professional dental course in India. It is a compulsory course for the students aspiring to work as dentists at government or private hospitals.
Is vocational course a degree? ›TVET Education hands-on training helps kick-start an Industry Career! TVET Programs also provide qualifications in the form of Accredited Professional Certificates and Diplomas which are considered just as valuable as college degrees.
What is the difference between education and vocational? ›Broadly speaking, vocational courses take practical and hands-on approaches, teaching skills like plumbing, programming and film editing. Academic courses tend toward the theoretical, and consider more traditional subjects like literature, history and maths.
What is an example of vocational training? ›
Vocational School Definition
For example, a high school student wanting to be a nurse cannot just start drawing blood and doing a nurse's job if they have no prior experience or training. A vocational school provides a training environment for students to gain those special skills.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. VTE includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are the types of VTE? ›There are 2 types of VTE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a clot forms in a deep vein, typically in a leg. Pulmonary embolism (PE) refers to a blood clot that breaks loose and travels through a vein to the lungs.
What does VTE stand for? ›Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots)
What type of dentist gets paid the most UK? ›- The dental business is growing fast and does not plan on slacking. ...
- The average orthodontist's salary in the UK is £76,041 per year or £39 per hour. ...
- The average prosthodontist's salary in the UK is £68,000 per year or £34.87 per hour.
- Devon Doctors. 2.7 £162,636per year. 33 reviews74 salaries reported.
- Damira Dental Studios. 3.5 £99,887per year. 78 reviews67 salaries reported.
- Dental Partners UK. 4.2 £96,715per year. 41 reviews102 salaries reported.
- Together Dental. 3.4 £95,060per year. ...
- mydentist. 4.1 £94,986per year.
Good income, job stability, & flexibility
If you are to open your own dental clinic, you are handed more freedom to practice your passion and make essential decisions to help you further in your career. You are also provided with a healthy income with a median salary of £31,000 for newly graduated dentists.
Anyone can get a VTE, but certain factors put you more at risk. About 25% to 50% of cases arise without obvious cause. Another 20% are associated with cancer, and 20% with surgery. Some people also have blood clotting disorders that make them more prone to clots.
How do you confirm VTE? ›How is it diagnosed? Blood work may be done initially, including a test called D-dimer, which detects clotting activity. For PE: Computed tomography, or CT scan, or CAT scan is most often used. Sometimes ventilation-perfusion lung scan is used.
Who needs a VTE assessment? ›The risk of developing VTE depends on the condition and/or procedure for which the patient is admitted and any predisposing risk factors. For patients that are admitted to adult mental health, older person's mental health and learning disability wards, VTE risk assessment is required (Appendix 1).
What 3 A levels do you need for dentistry? ›
What A-levels are needed or essential to become a dentist? Chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or both) will keep all dentistry courses open to you. If you don't take maths or physics but do take chemistry and biology, most courses will accept you.
What qualifications do you need to be a dental hygienist Scotland? ›You would need to do a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) such as the BSc in Oral Health Science (Hygiene and Therapy) (SCQF level 9/10). There are three-year degree courses available at Dundee University, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
How can I become a dentist with low grades? ›The gateway to dentistry is open to UK students who have lower grades. The gateway to dentistry program is an extra year of study but after completing this year you are guaranteed a place on the dentistry course. This is an excellent option if you have low grades and fit their criteria.
How many dentists are there in Scotland? ›Over the last three years, there has been a 1% increase in NHS dentists working across Scotland. In 2021, there were 3,703 dentists working for the NHS in Scotland, an increase of 29 from 2019.
Do dentists get paid per patient? ›Dentists receive a regular payment for every NHS patient that is registered with them.
How much does a GP make in Scotland? ›Average £69,877 per year
Is this useful?
A Dentist in the UK earns about GBP 84 per hour. Further, the average hourly salary of an NHS dentist is GBP 25.03 per hour. While entry-level dentists can earn up to GBP 2,275 per year, as experience and skill increase they can earn in excess of GBP 87,000 per year.
How do you qualify for NHS dentist? ›You're entitled if you are: aged under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education. pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months. staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist.
What qualifications do I need to be a dentist UK? ›To become a dentist in the UK you need to complete a bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) degree, which normally takes five years, followed by further on-the-job training.
How much do NHS dentists make? ›Salaried dentists employed by the NHS, working mainly with community dental services, earn a basic salary of between £44,955 and £96,154.
How much does a dental nurse get paid in Scotland? ›
Average £16.66 per hour.
Are dentists self employed? ›There are a small number of employed associates in the general dental services. The vast majority are self-employed.
What type of dentist earns the most? ›Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (Median Annual Net Income $400,000): Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are known for treating injuries, diseases and defects of the head, neck, face, jaw including the soft/hard tissue of the oral and maxillofacial region. This dental specialty earns the highest out of the 12.
Where do dentists earn the most? ›| Rank | Country | Dentist yearly salary (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | £179,267 |
| 2 | Belgium | £149,773 |
| 3 | Denmark | £146,021 |
| 4 | Norway | £126,460 |
Dentists can earn even more in cities like London and Birmingham (where average salaries are £80k). The NHS pays its dentists between £35,000 and £70,000. Private dentists can make as much as £130,000 and in some cases even more.
Do dentists get Dr title? ›Ans. Of course yes! Dentists have a doctorate or degree, like every medical physician has. Dentist also got to the medical school and study for five years to earn their title of Dr.
Who makes more money doctors or dentists? ›Dentists do not make more than all doctors. They average $166,000 a year in the US. The average physician in the US makes $189,000. So on average dentists make less.
What is the difference between a dental therapist and dentist? ›Dental therapists are registered dental professionals who carry out certain items of dental treatment direct to patients or under prescription from a dentist.
What is the difference between DDS and dentist? ›They both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education.
Which is better DDS or DMD? ›Is one better than the other? The answer is actually very simple: there is no difference! DDS (which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery) & DMD (which stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) are exactly the same degree. Whether a dentist holds a DMD or a DDS degree, they have received all of the same training.
What qualification is required to become a dentist? ›
It generally takes eight years to become a dentist: four years to earn a bachelor's degree as an undergraduate and four years to earn a DDS or DMD in dental school. If you're interested in specializing, you'll also need to complete a dental residency (more on that below).
Who earns more dentist or dental hygienist? ›Salary and compensation
The average annual salary of a dentist is $236,825 per year . Dentists may be part of a large dental health practice, or they may practice on their own in a smaller setting. On average, dental hygienists earn $78,828 per year .
You'll need a degree or diploma in dental therapy approved by the General Dental Council. You'll also need relevant work experience shadowing a dental therapist or hygienist. You may be able to get additional student finance support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
What makes more money dentist or orthodontist? ›Both of these medical professions can offer substantial salaries, however, an orthodontist may earn significantly more than a dentist. You might consider your desired salary as a means for helping you choose between these two career paths.
Who makes more a dentist or a doctor? ›In the United States, the average salary for dentists is $236,728 per year . Salary expectations can differ based on geographic location, education and specialty. In comparison, doctors in the United States can expect to make $248,010 per year .
Is dentist a DR or not? ›The fact is that their degree for surgery and they qualified as surgeon. They are physician of mouth and teeth, and some extend throat, therefore rightly so dentists are doctor. The dentist are listed as DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of dental Medicine).
What is the highest dental degree? ›A doctorate in dentistry is the highest general dental degree in the U.S. Dentistry schools award either a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) to graduates.
Can DMD perform oral surgery? ›General dentists must earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which allows them to perform certain types of oral surgeries.
Is Harvard DMD or DDS? ›It is located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to the DMD degree, HSDM offers specialty training programs, advanced training programs, and a PhD program through the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Can DMD do root canal? ›While general dentists are more than capable of treating root canals, it may be best to visit with an endodontist just to be sure. They are trained in the pulp area of the tooth which is where root canals live.
WHAT A levels do you need to be a dentist UK? ›
Degree qualifications (for graduate applicants) Graduates are required to obtain a 2:1 in their degree and BBB at A-level including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics. A-level: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics.