Work in wholly private practice does not require entry to an NHS performers list. The normal work permit requirements must still be met, however, and the employment opportunities for private practice are more limited.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, dentists without a VT certificate can work under the NHS number of another dentist as 'assistants'. This arrangement can help them to gain experience equivalent to that provided by VT, which may later be assessed as sufficient for entry onto a NHS list – by demonstrating equivalence to VT
