TWL

Dental careers in Wales

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Training in Wales

split image showing a healthcare professional at the bedside of a patient and at home standign beside his gaming setup.

With you every step of the way

Whatever stage you're at in your career, Wales offers high quality, supportive training for the whole dental workforce (dentists and dental care professionals). All our training programmes are underpinned by educational research and are quality assured to meet the high standards and needs of our dental professionals.

A land of opportunity

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are piloting a new local recruitment initiative. As part of the dental foundation training Welsh enhanced recruitment offer (DFT WERO), we're offering a support package for trainees who complete their training in specific rural dental practices in West, North and Central Wales.

For further information visit the HEIW's Dental foundation training Welsh enhanced recruitment offer (DFT WERO) page.

NHS Single Lead Employer

In Wales, you'll have one employer for the duration of your training programme, meaning you'll:

  • experience a seamless transition between posts
  • get your queries answered quickly and consistently
  • only sign one contract for the duration of your training programme = less complication with Tax and National Insurance contributions
  • be able to take advantage of the NHS Salary Sacrifice scheme and other Employee Benefits packages available to NHS Wales employees.

Prepare to lead the way

Wales is an innovative nation and we want compassionate, passionate leaders to deliver healthcare improvements that ensure we're always providing the best patient care. If this is an area you see yourself in, our highly regarded Welsh Clinical Leadership Training Fellowship will prepare you for future leadership and management roles.

Discover dentistry in Wales

Quality experience

As a dental foundation and core trainee in Wales you'll benefit from high quality study days, which are designed to help you develop all the necessary skills and knowledge required for successful clinical practice.

Supportive networks

We provide a friendly, supportive training environment so you can achieve your potential. You'll also benefit from peer support as well as being able to build lasting networks.

Cutting-edge facilities

We believe providing you with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation facilities is the best way to learn, and our small teaching groups ensure you get the support you need.

Flexibility when you need it

Life can be unpredictable; our flexible training options are designed to help you stay on track should anything change once you have started your training. We know striking a balance is important and having flexibility is key. Less than full-time training (LTFT) helps you devote time to other areas of your life. You may want to undertake development opportunities, start a family or simply have options should anything unexpected happen.

Further Information

Find out why so many choose to train, work and live in Wales. View our external resources here to find out more information


Dental Foundation Training (DFT)

Dental Foundation Training is the first phase of continuing postgraduate education after graduation and is recognised as a part of career pathways in all sections of the dental profession.


Dental Core Training (DCT)

Dental Core Training offers the opportunity to broaden knowledge and experience within the dental profession and is a recognised career pathway after the completion of Dental Foundation Training (DFT).


Dental Specialty Training (DST)

Dental Specialty Training has expanded considerably and HEIW's Dental Deanery is proud to support a variety of HEIW approved training programmes across 8 dental specialties.


Dental foundation training Welsh enhanced recruitment offer (DFT WERO)

DFT WERO is a local recruitment initiative. We are offering an enhanced support package for trainees who complete dental foundation training (DFT) in specific rural dental practices in West, North and Central Wales.

Working in Wales

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One career, many paths

Wales is a diverse and rewarding nation to work in, with opportunities available in both rural and urban communities. Whether you work in general dental service, community dental service, hospital dental service or in domiciliary service, there's plenty to get excited about whatever your preferred direction.

Professional development

In Wales, we're fully committed to helping you shape your career the way you want. The Dental Deanery offer a variety of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses covering all areas of dentistry, and include dental simulation (hands-on), traditional study days, conferences and online. All courses meet the General Dental Council (GDC) requirements for verifiable CPD.

A key member of your community

As a dentist in Wales, you'll build long lasting, rewarding relationships both professionally and within the community you serve, where you'll have the opportunity to positively contribute to the oral health and wellbeing of your patients.

Supported by a skilled team

We provide education and training opportunities for the whole dental team, meaning you'll be supported by skilled dental care professionals, as a dentist in Wales. With competent confident colleagues by your side, you'll be able to improve both the services you provide and the oral health of those in your community.

Discover dentistry in Wales

Living in Wales

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Urban living

Fast emerging as one of Europe’s most energetic capitals, Cardiff offers world-class shopping, stylish dining, beautifully kept parks and all the other advantages you’d expect from modern urban living. Newport is a city rejuvenated by investment, Swansea appeals with its beach suburbs and the market town of Wrexham offers historical buildings and is the gateway to North Wales.

Beach life

From the world-renowned Gower coast in the south, to the beautiful Llŷn Peninsula on the edge of Snowdonia National Park in the north, Wales is home to many of the UK’s best beaches – all accessible along a continuous 870-mile coastal path that reveals coves, headlands and bays overflowing with wildlife.

The great outdoors

There are three National Parks in Wales. But wherever you go, nature is all around you. From luscious mountains to dramatic river valleys, deserted beaches to rugged cliff tops, the natural landscape offers a stunning backdrop whether you’re in the mood for adventure, looking to unwind or simply following your daily routine

Castles & legends

Castles define the Welsh landscape just as much as our hills and valleys. There are 641 in total – imposing, fairy-tale and tumbledown – each offering a glimpse into the past and the chance for you to explore the legends within their walls. Going back even further, there are also dozens of pre-historic sites to see, including some of the best-preserved Neolithic wonders in the UK.

Lady standing next to a lake

"During my time outside of dentistry, I love to eat out with friends in delectable restaurants and go for walks in Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons.”

Julie, Dental Trainee

Further Information

For more inspiration, browse our dedicated Live page to see why in Wales, we don’t just offer a career, we offer a way of life.

Live page

Real life stories

"Wales is such an amazing place to work and live in. Being a smaller country, you can get to know whole people and communities.”

Read Owen's story

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