Foundation Dentist-in-Training FAQs

Induction resources

• Where can I find the Induction Presentation and Welcome Booklet?

  The Induction Presentation 2026 and Welcome Booklet 2026 are both available to download:

  • Induction Presentation 2026

  • Welcome Booklet 2026

Annual leave

• How do I book annual leave?

  Please familiarise yourself with your placement's annual leave procedure, and ensure that leave is booked in accordance with their process.

   

  For further information, including annual leave calculators, see the link below:

  https://leademployer.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/annual-leave-calculator-dental-foundation

   

Electronic Staff Record (ESR)

• What do I do if I haven't received my ESR access yet?

  Email the ESR Helpdesk at ESR.Helpdesk@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk 

  In your email please confirm your:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • First four characters of your NI number

   

  For more information see: https://leademployer.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/self-service-on-esr-for-dental-foundation

• What training do I need to upload to ESR?

  Your host organisation is responsible for giving you protected time in the first four weeks of your placement to complete all statutory and mandatory training in line with the Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF).

  Once you've completed a module, provide the evidence to your host organisation - they're responsible for updating your completed competencies on ESR. Your training compliance matrix and e-learning content are viewed by logging in to ESR; see the ESR e-Learning User Guide for full details.

  For more information see: https://leademployer.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/self-service-on-esr-for-dental-foundation

Payslip, payroll and pensions

• How do I contact the to Payroll Team?

  Should you have any payroll queries, please get in touch with the team by telephone:

   

  Call 0151 478 7777

  (option 4).

   

  Alternatively, you can email the team at: leademployerpayroll@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk

• When will I receive my contract of employment?

  Contracts of employment will be issued following confirmation that all your pre-employment checks have been completed.

• When is payday?

  You will be paid on the 28th of each month by MWL.

  Where this falls over the weekend or a bank holiday you will be paid on the working day immediately prior to this i.e. if the 28th falls on a Sunday, you would be paid on Friday 26th.

  Please note: December and January pay dates may be earlier in the month, you will be notified if this is the case.

• How do I access my payslips and P60's electronically?

  You will be given access to your new MY ESR account, accessible via a username and password. This will be communicated to you by our Workforce Systems and Information Team in advance of your pay day in September.

• How do I join the pension scheme?

  Every employee is entered into the NHS Pension scheme upon commencement unless they are not eligible to join or choose to opt out.

  See our pensions page: leademployer.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/your-rewards

   

  More information about the NHS Pension scheme can be found by visiting their website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-pensions

Policies

• Where can I find policies relating to Lead Employer - MWL?

  All policies relating to Lead Employer - MWL can be found on our website: www.leademployer.sthk.nhs.uk/policies-and-forms

GDC & National Performers List

• How do I apply for GDC and NPL number?

  Ensure immediate application to GDC is made once confirmation is received:

  www.gdc-uk.org/registration/join-the-register/how-to-join-the-register

   

  To apply to join the National Performers List: 

  www.england.nhs.uk/publication/policy-for-managing-applications-to-join-the-england-performers-lists/

Uniforms

• Who is responsible for providing me with a uniform?

  Your host organisation will issue you with a suitable uniform.

Health, Work and Wellbeing (HWWB) fit slip

• If I require an HWWB referral, will I have to travel to Merseyside for an appointment?

  No, we work with local ‘spoke hospitals’ to arrange HWWB appointments.

   

  All HWWB referrals are managed by our HR Case Management Team who are contactable at Lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk

   

  Foundation Dentists who have an underlying health condition(s) who wish to notify and discuss these further with us, please contact a member of our HR Team at Lead.employer@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk

Receiving your Health , Work and Wellbeing (HWWB) fit slip

• Where do I get my fit slip in order to apply to the NPL?

  This will be sent to you through your TRAC account by the Lead Employer immediately upon receipt from the HWWB Team.

  Please ensure you have attended any appointments arranged by the HWWB Teams, as failure to do so may result in a delay in your commencement date.