The National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE) Year 2 was introduced in 2021, and it has proven successful in supporting applicants in their progression on to specialty training programmes.
The process has now been replicated to facilitate applications to Dental Core Training Year 2 (DCT2) posts from individuals who have not followed a standard UK training pathway; Dental Foundation followed by Dental Core Training Year 1 (DCT1). The process can be used by applicants for DCT2 posts if they have not already undertaken a recognised DCT1 post.
If a dentist has not undertaken a recognised 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 NCDCE Year 1 process.
This single central process is a welcome development to assist dentists wishing to enter UK postgraduate dental training programmes. It is intended that centralising this process will also increase transparency and consistency in the assessment of evidence.
Applications for NCDCE for both DCT1 and DCT2 are accepted during a single stand-alone window each year. The 2025 applications window opens on Monday 7 July at 10:00 and closes on Monday 1 September at 23:59.
Further information is available via the following links and includes comprehensive guidance for applicants, frequently asked questions, and access to apply:
NHS Scotland’s information on NCDCE Year 1