Out of Programme

This is when a dental specialty trainee takes time out of their approved programme.  

There are 4 types of OOP available for dental trainees: 

• Out of Programme for Clinical Experience (OOPE): This facilitates trainees to take a break from training to gain professional skills that will enhance their future practice e.g., skills in leadership, academia, education, patient safety or experience different working practices or areas
• Out of Programme for Research (OOPR): This facilitates trainees in taking time out of training to pursue research for periods over 6 months
• Out of Programme for Clinical Training (OOPT): This facilitates trainees to step out of training to undertake clinical training outside of the trainee’s training programme 
• Out of Programme for Career Break (OOPC): This is where trainees may request a break for a designated and agreed period to pursue other interests e.g., domestic responsibilities, industry etc.  

Eligibility 

All trainees who have completed at least 12 months of training are eligible to apply. OOPE, OOPT, OOPC are usually available for a maximum of 1 year. Exceptional approval for up to 2 years may be granted at the discretion of the Postgraduate Dental Dean. 

OOPR is available normally for up to 3 years with exceptional approval up to four years at the discretion of Postgraduate Dental Dean. 

How to Apply 

Please discuss this with your Training Programme Director (TPD) and Educational Supervisor (ES) as early as possible before you make an application.  

You must give at least 6 months’ notice in advance of the proposed OOP start date and give your employer (current and/or next) three months’ notice in order to meet the Code of Practice requirements. 

You should apply using the OOP application form and provide all requested supporting documentation as part of the process.  

Your TPD will review the application and the final decision to approve, reject or request further information will be made by the Postgraduate Dean (or nominated Deputy). 

Please contact your Regional Office (Deanery) and Training Programme Director for more information on the application process.