IntroductionIn March 2020, a cohort of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) were affected by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2020, a second cohort of DFTs began their training, with COVID-19 still affecting provision of primary dental care.AimsTo study the effects of COVID-19 on these two cohorts by surveying Wales' dental core trainees (DCTs) who had been undertaking dental foundation training (DFTg) in 2019/20 and 2020/21.Materials and methodsFollowing ethical approval, we conducted two online surveys for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 DFTs' cohorts. We compared and contrasted their reported completion of various DFTg curriculum components and any additional skills derived from redeployment.ResultsA response rate of 52% was achieved for both surveys. All participants successfully completed DFTg; although, some small differences were noted between the cohorts and their ability to fulfil all their portfolio requirements.DiscussionDespite the effects of COVID-19, all DFTs were able to demonstrate completion of curriculum elements. The redeployment of three DFTs enhanced their learning. This was comparable to reports from other DFTs who were redeployed in the pandemic.ConclusionsAll DCTs surveyed from both cohorts successfully completed their DFTg portfolios. In some cases, additional skills were developed, which in the absence of the pandemic, may not have been the case.