Health Education North East (HENE) runs an NHS training programme in Special Care Dentistry leading to a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST).  A joint NHS/Academic trianing post is also run in conjunction with Newcastle University.

The training is delivered by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Dental Services, Newcastle Dental Hospital and Community Dental Service (part of the Newcastle Hospitals Foundation Trust) and Northumbria Health Care Community Dental Service.

The Aims of Specialty Training include:

• to build knowledge and skill base in the field of Special Care Dentistry which takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to the care of patients traditionally referred to as a group of people with 'special or additional needs'
• to draw on expertise across a wide variety of disciplines in health and social care.

During the period of training the trainee will be expected to:

• Work under the supervision of Specialists in Special Care Dentistry
• Engage and participate in CPD and StR educational activities
• Participate at specialist level in diagnostic, treatment planning and review clinics
• Engage with colleagues in the field of Public Heath and Social Care
• Develop team working with DCP colleagues
• Be involved in the treatment of patients with complex needs
• Gain experience in administration, formal audit and clinical governance activities
• Be encouraged to participate in research, publish and present papers or case reports.