Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is delighted to announce a range of postgraduate dental training opportunities launching in 2026/27 - developed directly in response to feedback from current trainees.

These offers aim to strengthen clinical experience, support job security and career development across our Dental Foundation Training (DFT) and Dental Core Training (DCT) programmes.

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DFT Welsh Enhanced Recruitment Offer (WERO)

DFT WERO returns for 2026/27, continuing to encourage recruitment in rural areas of West, North, and Central Wales while improving access to essential dental care for these local communities.

The scheme offers a comprehensive support package to attract and retain skilled dental trainees in rural Wales, including:

  • £3,000 rural living grant

  • MFDS part 1 exam fees covered

  • Study budget for exam preparation.

As part of the standard DFT offer you will also have access to:

  • Weekly study day programme including hands-on clinical training

  • Wellbeing support

  • Weekly 1-1 tutorials.

Feedback from previous cohorts highlighted that early job security and a locally managed recruitment process were key motivators for these rural DFT posts, often more so than financial incentives.

Applications for DFT WERO open on 2 February until 27 February 2026 for new UK graduates who have trained in Wales, are Welsh-domiciled, or have an existing link to Wales.

For more information visit https://heiw.nhs.wales/. Please note these posts are not eligible for temporary GDC registration.