With effect from 1 April 2023, HEE and NHS England reached an agreement for all applications to join the NHS England Dental Performers List to be managed according to the NHS England Policy for Managing Applications to Join the England Performers Lists.
All applicants who are not exempt from Foundation Training under Regulation 34(4)(c) and who would have been previously assessed by the PLVE scheme will have to engage in a structured conversation process. Meaning that there will not be a separate PLVE application form and no fees will have to be paid by any applicant.
The structured conversation will be conducted by an NHS England Dental Advisor and a representative of the Post-graduate Dental Deans to assess applicants' knowledge, skills and experience.
If learning or support needs are identified, an educational/clinical support plan (ECSP) will be drawn up and offered to the applicant, using Agreement Terms to allow the applicant to practice under the terms set out in the Agreement. This agreement will set out how to monitor success against the terms and the process to follow if they are not satisfactorily completed.
Until any amendment to the Regulations is enacted, the assessment of equivalence under Regulation 34(4)(c) will be linked to the requirement of the ECSP and will be used to bring evidence of equivalence forward at the end of the Agreement Term period.
This process mirrors the one in place for EEA-qualified dentists and returners. In addition to ensuring impartial treatment of all applicants, it seeks to address perceived barriers to overseas dentists joining the NHS primary care dental workforce.
The first quarter of 2023/24 will provide a transitional phase to ensure that this streamlined process is managed effectively and safely. The following principles will apply during the transition period:
- No fees will be payable to NHSE on or after 1 April 2023 regardless of where an applicant is in the process
- There will be no reimbursement of fees paid prior to 1 April 2023
- Applicants who have been included on the Performers List under the HEE PLVE route prior to 1 April 2023 will continue on that route and their portfolio will be assessed by former HEE colleagues
- Applicants who have not been included by 1 April will be considered under the new route described above.
We will keep you up to date with any further changes.