Course structure

3 days of focused lectures and interactive sessions
2 days of hands on restorative dentistry

Day 1 - NHS dentistry and performer number pathway

This day provides a clear understanding of how NHS dentistry works in England and the exact steps required to obtain a performer number.

Topics covered include
Overview of UK dentistry
NHS vs private dentistry
How NHS England, ICBs, PCSE and NHSBSA work
NHS dental contracts and the UDA system
Band 1, Band 2 and Band 3 treatments
What can and cannot be claimed on the NHS
Performer number requirements
Foundation training vs equivalence for overseas dentists
Structured conversation and assessment process
Common application delays and how to avoid them

Learning outcome
You will understand the NHS system and the pathway to working as an NHS dentist in England.

Day 2 - Clinical governance, compliance and medico legal practice

This day focuses on UK professional standards and safe, compliant clinical practice.

Topics covered include
GDC standards and professionalism
Ethics in NHS dentistry
Consent and shared decision making
Capacity and best interest decisions
Record keeping standards
Indemnity and complaints handling
Duty of candour
Safeguarding adults and children
Infection prevention and control
Clinical audit, CPD and revalidation

Learning outcome
You will understand how to practise safely, ethically and compliantly within the UK system.

Day 3 - Communication skills and NHS treatment planning

This interactive day develops confidence in patient communication and NHS appropriate treatment planning.

Topics covered include
Patient communication in NHS dentistry
Managing expectations and explaining NHS limitations
Ethical presentation of NHS and private options
Consent conversations and documentation
Handling difficult conversations and complaints
Cultural awareness in UK practice
NHS examination and diagnosis
Risk based treatment planning
NHS banding and charging using real cases
Referral decision making
Case based discussions and mock scenarios

Learning outcome
You will be able to communicate clearly with patients and produce compliant NHS treatment plans.

Day 4 - Hands on direct restorations - Composite and Amalgam

A full practical day focusing on predictable direct restorations suitable for NHS practice.

Hands on training includes
Posterior composite restorations
Class I and Class II cavity preparation
Matrix systems and contact point control
Occlusal anatomy and finishing
Posterior amalgam restorations
Amalgam cavity design and resistance form
Condensation, carving and polishing
Anterior composite restorations
Class III and Class IV restorations
Incisal edge build ups
Finishing and polishing techniques

Clinical focus
Time efficient NHS workflows
Managing post operative sensitivity

Learning outcome
You will be able to confidently place posterior and anterior direct restorations in NHS practice.

Day 5 - Hands on indirect restorations - Crowns and onlays

This practical day focuses on preparation, temporisation and cementation of indirect restorations.

Hands on training includes
Case selection for crowns and onlays
NHS indications and banding
Posterior crown preparations
Onlay preparation principles
Anterior crown preparations
Margin design and taper control
Occlusal reduction and clearance
Impression techniques conventional and digital overview
Temporisation techniques
Cementation protocols for crowns and onlays

Clinical focus
Avoiding common preparation errors
Managing sensitivity and failures
When to restore and when to refer

Learning outcome
You will be able to safely prepare and restore crowns and onlays appropriate for NHS dentistry.