Bupa Dental Care has announced the launch of the Springboard DFT+ program, open to university graduates and those who have completed basic dental training.
The program offers two years of structured learning, including peer mentoring, clinical practice support and a fully funded postgraduate certificate in restorative dentistry. Participants can also choose to extend the program to undertake a year of self-employment in Australia.
Bupa Dental General Manager Mark Allen said that Springboard DFT+ is designed to support new dentists to smoothly transition from basic training to professional dentistry.
As part of a global healthcare business, employees can access a wide range of professional networks, develop diverse skills and plan long-term career development. Allen encourages aspiring people, whether they already work at Bupa or not, to actively apply.
The program offers a two-year fixed-term paid contract, and participants have the opportunity to handle up to 5,000 UDAs (dental units). The application channel is now open and the deadline is October 31, 2025.
In June this year, the Dental Schools Committee pointed out that there is a “serious shortage” in the supply of dental talent in the UK and an urgent need to increase training places to relieve pressure.
The committee also called for a clearer promotion path for NHS dental graduates to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of NHS dentistry and strengthen talent retention.
Professor Ewen McColl, Chairman of the Dental School Committee and Dean of the Dental School at the University of Plymouth, stressed that in addition to expanding enrollment, the NHS must solve the problem of retaining professionals.
He pointed out that limited career development, unfair salary system, pension policy restrictions and dissatisfaction with dental contracts are the main reasons for talent loss.
Professor McColl called on the government to take strong measures to create stronger incentives for NHS dental professionals and ensure the stable development of public dental services.