Apply for training and improvement grants

Practice improvement grants are available for new or existing vocational training practices.

They apply if NHS Education for Scotland (NES) identifies that a practice needs vocational training improvements to continue to meet standards.

Get a grant for an existing vocational training practice

You can claim for a practice improvement grant if:

• you’re a dentist who’s an existing trainer
• NES has determined that the practice requires improvements to continue to meet vocational training standards

A maximum payment of £6,000 can be made every five years and all payments require invoices for the work provided.

Who’s eligible and how to claim

The following criteria apply for improvement grants for existing vocational training practices:

• the grant is only for items identified by NES as needing upgrading
• receipts are required for improvements made
• the surgery must continue to be used for vocational training for five years

Practices with more than one Vocational Trainee (VT) can have several claims. Each VT needs to have their own room at the practice and NES needs to approve improvements to all rooms

To apply for a practice improvement grant, please download and complete the GP221 claim form or request one from your local NHS board. There’s a three-month time limit for submission of applications.

Get a grant for a new vocational training practice

You can claim for a practice improvement grant if:

• you’re a dentist who’s a new trainer
• NES has determined that the practice requires improvements to meet vocational training standards

A maximum payment of up to £10,000 can be made and all payments require invoices for the work provided.

Who’s eligible and how to claim

The following criteria apply for improvement grants for new vocational training practices:

• no dentist has provided vocational training at the premises during the five years prior to applying
• the dentist has been assessed by NES as suitable to become a trainer, pending improvements to the practice
• the grant is only for items identified by NES as needing upgrading
• receipts are required for improvements made
• the surgery must continue to be used for vocational training or for general dental services for three years

Multiple claims can be made for practices with more than one VT. This is allowed as long as each VT has their own room at the practice and NES have approved improvements to all rooms.

To apply for a practice improvement grant, please download and complete the GP220 claim form or request one from your local NHS board.