A new two-year employed development programme has been created for dental graduates – which includes a funded certificate in restorative dentistry and the option of a year abroad in Australia.
The Springboard DFT+ programme will be open to university graduates and those completing their dental foundation training. It will provide two years of structured learning including peer-to-peer mentoring, hands-on clinical support and a fully funded postgraduate certificate in restorative dentistry.
Participants will also have the option to extend the programme with a third year of self-employed work in Australia.
Bupa Dental Care said it launched the programme to ‘support new dentists as they transition into professional practice’. Positions are available at Bupa Dental Care practices throughout England.
‘A wide network of expertise’
Mark Allan, general manager at Bupa Dental Care, said: ‘Springboard DFT+ supports our focus on early careers and workforce development in a profession that’s all about people. It’s a truly unique opportunity for dentists completing their foundation training to join an employed programme and potentially gain overseas experience at the start of their career.
‘Being part of a global healthcare company gives our people access to a wide network of expertise, enabling them to build transferable skills and consider long-term career growth. I’d encourage anyone, whether they’re already at Bupa or looking to join us, to consider applying.’
The programme offers a salaried position on a two-year fixed term contract with the opportunity to work on upwards of 5,000 UDAs.
Applications are now open and will close on 31 October 2025. The application portal can be found here.
Progression pathways in the NHS
In June, the Dental Schools Council said a ‘critical shortfall’ in dental provision in the UK could be addressed by increasing training places.
In addition to more training places for dentistry, dental therapy and dental hygiene, the council called for clearer progression pathways in NHS dentistry for graduates. It said this would make NHS dentistry more attractive and sustainable, increasing retention incentives.
Professor Ewen McColl is chair of the Dental Schools Council and head of the School of Dentistry at the University of Plymouth. He said: ‘In addition to expanding training places, it is crucial that the NHS retains the professionals it trains.
‘Retention difficulties must also be addressed, and stakeholders have outlined issues responsible including limited career development, inequitable payment structures, restricted access to pensions, and dissatisfaction with the dental contract.
‘If the government is committed to improving access to NHS oral healthcare, it must create stronger incentives for the dental professionals it funds to remain in the public sector.’
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
