PhD and early career researchers

Whether you’re currently undertaking your PhD or have recently completed it, this page is designed to guide you through the next steps in your clinical academic journey.

Why a PhD?

A PhD is often essential for those aiming to lead research projects, apply for competitive academic posts or pursue senior clinical academic roles. It provides:

• advanced research skills including study design, data analysis, critical appraisal and scientific writing
• expertise in your chosen field allowing you to make a meaningful contribution to dental science and patient care
• a platform to build professional networks connecting you with academic mentors, collaborators and funding bodies
• opportunities for teaching and leadership often embedded within PhD programmes

When to begin your doctoral studies

There is no single ‘right’ time to start a PhD. Many dentists begin their doctoral studies after completing Dental Core Training (DCT) or specialty training, while others may start earlier through Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) or integrated training schemes. Some choose to complete a PhD alongside clinical training, whereas others take time out of clinical practice to focus fully on research.

Factors to consider when deciding the timing include:

• your clinical training stage – some prefer to build clinical experience first while others want to dive into research early
• availability of funding and academic posts, opportunities like NIHR-funded PhD fellowships often have specific eligibility requirements tied to training level
• how a PhD fits with your specialty ambitions and long-term academic plans
• personal circumstances and flexibility, balancing clinical work, research and life commitments varies for each individual

Funding your PhD

Doctoral funding awards for clinical academic dentistry in the UK come from major UK-wide funders and specific government bodies within each nation (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). These prestigious awards provide generous support, covering your salary and research expenses. In addition, fellows receive dedicated academic development opportunities throughout their PhD.

You can choose to complete your PhD full-time by pausing clinical training, or alternatively, undertake your doctoral research part-time alongside ongoing clinical work. This flexibility helps you tailor your training to suit your career goals and personal circumstances.

Clinical Fellowships

Some universities offer Clinical Fellowships that combine 50% clinical teaching with 50% research. These posts usually include funding for a PhD, awarded under staff regulations for the post holder.

To be eligible, applicants normally need to have completed at least Dental Core Training Year 1 (DCT1).

Clinical Fellowships are not recruited nationally. They are advertised and applied for locally by individual dental schools. If you are interested, contact dental schools directly to ask whether they currently offer Clinical Fellowship posts.

UK-wide opportunities

Funders across the UK have mapped out where clinical researchers can access funding at different stages of their careers. Examples of funding are listed below.

• The Wellcome Trust offers PhD Fellowships for Health Professionals. These provide a fully funded three-year PhD including your clinical salary. Applications are made directly to specific, Wellcome-approved university PhD programmes, not the Trust itself.
• The Medical Research Council (MRC) provides Clinical Research Fellowships for clinically qualified professionals, including dentists, who want to undertake a PhD.
• The UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers Postgraduate Doctoral Loans to help with fees and living costs across the UK.
• National charities, such as the British Heart Foundation (if relevant to oral health/cardiology links), may offer project grants that can support a dental research career.

Country-specific opportunities

Publicly funded integrated academic training pathways are delivered through country-specific bodies.