The Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency was established as a Special Agency with effect from April 2004.  It replaced the former Northern Ireland Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education. The Board of the Agency comprises a non-executive Chairman and five non-executive members (three lay members, one medical practitioner and one dental practitioner).

The Agency is accountable to the DHSSPS for the performance of its functions and to the general public for ensuring that doctors and dentists are effectively trained to provide patients with the highest standards of care.