HEE East of England and HEE Midlands
Frequently Asked Questions about PLVE
This is for UK graduate dentists and dentists from outside of the EEA who have not previously undertaken Dental Foundation (Vocational) Training, and are required to demonstrate equivalent competencies to those gained on completion of a full year of Dental Foundation Training, in order to gain access to the national dental performer list.
Performance List Validation by Experience is not designed for those with significant gaps in their clinical experience.
At the present time Health Education England is not able to accept applications into PLVE from dentists who cannot provide clinical references relating to two recent* posts (one of which will usually be a current post) each of which lasted at least three months (continuous period) without a significant break, or where this is not possible, a full explanation as to why that is the case and the names and addresses of two alternative referees.
*’Recent’ is defined as ‘working within a dentist’s full scope of practice within the previous two years’ and is based on the AoMRC Return to Practice Guidance (2017 Revision).
In the first instance the applying dentist applies to NHS England or its agent for information on, and the paperwork for entry onto The National Performers List.
The National Performers List website; http://www.performer.england.nhs.uk/ is a useful source of information and contains a postcode search tool, which allows you to easily identify the Local Office that cover the locality in which you wish to work. The search results also provide contact details.
HEE EoE is not responsible for putting dentists onto Performers lists and we cannot answer queries regarding this subject: this is the duty of the Local Area Team.
Vacancies are usually advertised in the British Dental Journal and other Dental Magazines.
Dentists must apply directly to practices. Health Education England holds a list of approved supervisors across the region which they will share with VEDs approved for PLVE.
Health Education England has no control or oversight of the contracts, payment or working conditions negotiated between VEDs and their employing practices. We would advise VEDs to seek independent legal advice or speak with their indemity providers if they have any questions or issues regarding contracts.
Both the practice and the proposed supervisor will have to apply via the application forms and will have to be approved via the application process.
The PLVE Validation Supervisor and practice are required to undertake several assessments before they are approved to take a Validation Experience Dentist:- clinical audit, practice visit, interview and induction training.
Please be aware there are strict deadlines for this part of the process and application does not guarantee appointment.
The cost is dependent on several factors including the length of PLVE programme that is required and how much support is required by the Performer and the PLVE Mentor.
PLVE runs very few courses throughout the year and VEDs should be aware that they will need to cover the costs of relevent training and courses in addition to the costs relating to application and portfolio assessment.
A breakdown of the costs and details of the payment process can be found in the PLVE Agreement of Payment form:
At the present time Health Education England is not able to accept applications into PLVE from dentists who cannot provide clinical references relating to two recent* posts (one of which will usually be a current post) each of which lasted at least three months (continuous period) without a significant break, or where this is not possible, a full explanation as to why that is the case and the names and addresses of two alternative referees. *’Recent’ is defined as ‘working within a dentist’s full scope of practice within the previous two years’ and is based on the AoMRC Return to Practice Guidance (2017 Revision).
Clinical references ideally need to be from the principle/lead Dentist at a practice where you have previously worked. As PLVE is not designed for individuals with significant gaps in their clinical experience it is important that VEDs include relevant clinical references with their application (generally this is at least two from your most recent employment).
Reference letters need to contain the following:-
- Be on headed paper.
- Dated.
- State the start date, end date and number of weekly hours.
- State the location in which you worked.
- Have a sentence or two relating to your performance or conduct during your employment including details of any complaints if relevant.
- Have a the contact details of whomever has signed on behalf of the organisation.
This is determined by Health Education England application assessment panel and recommendations and vary between six months and 18 months full time equivalent.
Information for dentists from Europe and Overseas is available from the National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Dental Education (NACPDE): https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental-faculties/fds/nacpde/
Information about Working and Postgraduate Training as a Dentist in the UK can be found on the COPDEND website: http://copdend.org/content.aspx?Group=guidance&Page=guidance_frequentlyaskedquestions