These regulations amend the General Dental Services Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 (“the GDS Regulations”) to reflect updated terminology concerning the post graduate training of dentists. The GDS Regulations deal with the arrangements for the provision of Health Service dental services in Northern Ireland. In order to provide Health Service general dental services a dentist must apply to join the Regional Board’s dental list. To be listed a dentist must (unless exempt) provide a “vocational training” number. The term “vocational” has been replaced by “dental foundation”.

Vocational Training (now “dental foundation training”) is a period of at least one year’s full time employment (or part-time equivalent) during which a dental graduate is employed by an approved dental trainer to provide a wide range of dental care and treatment. During this period the dental graduate completes a post registration day-release course of at least one year (or part-time equivalent) to achieve a certificate to enable them to have a DS (Dental Surgeon) number with the Regional Board to practice in their own right. Training is currently facilitated for Northern Ireland by the NI Medical and Dental and Training Agency (NIMDTA).

Additional amendments to certain wording in the GDS Regulations are to ensure that future dental foundation training is completed “satisfactorily” (as the training period is now subject to assessment) and adds a new Schedule 11 providing for the various aims and objectives. Other amendments update legislative references.