Special circumstances criteria extended to include applicants with parental responsibility

The special circumstances criteria for applicants to Dental Core Training (DCT) and Dental Specialty Training (DST) has been extended to include applicants with parental responsibility for a child or children under the age of 18. 

The Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection (MDRS) and Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND) have announced the change which will come into effect for posts commencing in September 2023.

It will particularly support applicants who have family caring responsibilities which limit their ability to relocate and are therefore deterred from applying for a training post.

Special Circumstance arrangements are in place for applicants who require a training placement in a certain area of the country. Currently these arrangements are in place for applicants with caring responsibilities for the registered disabled, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, or if they have a medical condition or disability which requires on-going follow up in a specified location.

This move will bring DCT and DST training into line with DFT and Pharmacy Foundation training. 

For further information on the change please visit https://dental.hee.nhs.uk/dental-trainee-recruitment