UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors

National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE)

National Certificate of Dental Core Equivalence (NCDCE)
***This is an annual process. The application window opens early July and closes at the beginning of September. There are no additional opportunities to apply outside of this application window.***
 
NCDCE 1
 
***Applicants applying for NCDCE 1 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.
Further information and guidance notes are available here
NCDCE 2
***Applicants applying for NCDCE 2 must have at least 36 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 Specialty Training posts from individuals who have not followed a standard UK training pathway (Dental Foundation, Dental Core Training). The process can also be used by applicants for DCT3 posts if they have not already undertaken a DCT2 post.
A dentist who wishes to apply for Specialty Training is required to demonstrate the competencies acquired at the end of UK Dental Core training year 1 (i.e. outcome 1) at the time of interview and of UK Dental Core training year 2 at the time of post commencement. This is currently the case for the majority of dental specialities. If a dentist has not undergone UK Dental Core Training year 2, they may apply for the National Certification of Dental Core Equivalence. If the dentist considers that they have acquired experience and/or training which should be regarded as equivalent to DCT2, they can apply for the National Certification of Dental Core Equivalence.
Further information and guidance notes are available here

2025 Dates

The dates for the September 2025 NCDCE application process (ie for 2026/27 training year) are:

  • Application window opens – Monday 7th July – 10:00 am.
  • Application window closes – Monday 1st September – 23:59 pm.
  • Window to upload evidence closes – Wednesday 3rd September – 4:00 pm.
  • Applications to be considered by the assessment panel – 22nd – 24th September.
  • Unsuccessful applicants can appeal the outcome – Thursday 25th September 12:00 pm – Thursday 2nd October – 12:00 pm.
  • Outcome of appeal process – From 9th October.

PLEASE NOTE – The DCT2 equivalence process is for applicants to Specialty Training and also for applicants to DCT3 who have not already undertaken a DCT2 post.

If you have any queries or require further information please contact Dental DCT2 Equivalence

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