Orthodontic Therapy
The application process for the Orthodontic Therapy Programme due to commence in November 2025 is now open from 01.05.25 until 30.05.25.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 30th May 2025 (23:59)
Towards creating a skilled and sustained workforce a minimum of two training places within the 2025-2026 programme have been prioritised for training posts where the base location is within Scotland’s Rural Board areas, subject to meeting all programme entry requirements.
Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy - Course Structure
This GDC-approved course follows a modular format. The core teaching, comprising 20 days, is delivered at the start of the course over a 4 week period in the Edinburgh Dental Education Centre. This allows time for students to assimilate what will be a large amount of new knowledge.
A further 10 teaching days are delivered, approximately one day per month, during the rest of the course. These days cover subjects in which the students may require additional teaching and support and will also include "mock assessments" prior to the final examination.
The most important and significant component of the course is the workplace-based training, under the direct supervision of the trainer, who must be a specialist orthodontist in a practice, hospital or salaried dental service department.
Fees
The course fees are £8,000 for student orthodontic therapists working within the NHS in Scotland and £12,500 for any students working out with NHS Scotland.
The final diploma examination fee must be paid directly by the student, their trainer or their hospital/salaried dental service to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Application Criteria
For more information and to complete the application process please click on the downloads below:
Programme Information
- Application Process 2025 ( Download, 209 KB)
- Student Application Form ( Download, 672 KB)
- Trainer Application Form ( Download, 677 KB)
- Trainer Commitments ( Download, 635 KB)
- Workplace Timetable ( Download, 732 KB)
Contact Us
For any further information, please email: dcphub@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Useful Information
GDC Scope of Practice: https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf
Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh: https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/
