DFT is a 1 year period of training which combines experiential learning within General Dental Practice, with a minimum of 30 study days targeting relevant areas organised locally. In addition to the experience gained directly through treating patients in practice, experiential learning occurs as a result of the support from a Dental Foundation Educational Supervisor, which includes clinical supervision, mentoring, tutorials, workplace-based assessments (formal and informal) and high quality feedback.
The Dental Foundation Training (DFT) curriculum was first published in 2006 by COPDEND, describing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours required of practitioners completing a two year period of postgraduate training. Change, both of NHS regulations and the needs of dental practice have prompted review of the curriculum. The current 2015 Curriculum covers the one year of Dental Foundation Training.

Where areas of practice may be encountered infrequently within general practice, or are key to patient safety, these may be highlighted to ESs by the assessments so they can ensure that Foundation Dentists receive an adequate scope of experience backed by suitable support.
The DFT syllabus also includes a study day programme, to supplement experiential learning in practice via regular small group teaching sessions and peer discussion. Study days focus on a range of important areas; in addition to defined ‘core’ areas, the individual learning needs of the Foundation Dentist (identified by the ES, self-reflection or assessment) can be met through self-directed study.


Competency Framework
The expected learning outcomes for DFT are described within a competency framework. The competencies within the framework describe the areas which all foundation dentists are expected to have had experience of, and be competent in, upon completion of DFT.
The competencies are organised within domains and major competency areas, for ease of reference. However, it is important to recognise that DFT is a period of postgraduate training involving the treatment of patients within the general practice workplace. As such, within each single patient encounter (e.g. patient examination, or the provision of treatment) the foundation dentist will experience and demonstrate several of these individual competency statements within the framework, across multiple domains. Whilst it is necessary to describe specific competencies separately in this document in order to make clear the details of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required, the competency framework does not represent a prescribed list of areas to be assessed separately, i.e. a ‘tick box’ approach. The focus of assessment is rather in the context of the delivery of holistic patient care.