Dental core training: the trainee perspective

Abstract

Dental Core Training is a postgraduate training period, eligible following successful completion of foundation/vocational training, that has multiple entry points and endpoints with a varied duration from one to three years. The introduction of National Recruitment in 2017, away from a previous individual, Deanery-led process, has introduced new variables such as a ranking-system for preferencing training posts, with the outcome dependent on combined performance at interview and a situational judgement test for which competition is nationally against other applicants. This unique, trainee-led study provides an appreciation and understanding of the motivations and experiences of trainees who pursue Dental Core Training, such as the rationale behind location and specialty choice, perception of National Recruitment and the situational judgement test and influence of salary variation alongside trainee perceptions and experiences of the training programme from inside the trainee perspective. Undertaking Dental Core Training is not a "forever decision" and will stand the trainee in good stead in pursuit of specialty training or a return to general practice, with a wide variety of opportunities that can lead to fulfilling and a rewarding career pathway for enthusiastic dentists.

Photos please

“…Sir, you recently published an interesting research article regarding the career aspirations of female dental students and trainees. 1 It is well documented that there are increasing numbers of females entering the profession but this study further showed that more young female dentists are considering specialties that were traditionally male dominated. However, leadership positions are still disproportionately filled by males.…”

“…With observance to current legislation, 1 photography can facilitate diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical procedures. 1,2 It is also useful both as a medicolegal tool and treatment goal conformational record. 3 Historically artists were used to produce illustrations from the descriptions of surgeons and physicians, which were highly influenced by their interpretation.…”

“…Possessive eponyms have been argued as incorrect since the discoverers generally neither had nor owned the disorders, and having the two forms can generate confusion and problems with databases and literature searches. 1 The World Health Organisation actively discourages use of eponymous terms in medicine. 2 Furthermore, along with other bodies such as the American Medical Association and US National Institutes of Health, they specifically advocate that the possessive form is not used.…”

“…The main practical implication here, beyond being merely a technical point, is that literature searches using either form will yield different results. 1 Standardisation could solve this, however, is acknowledged…”

‘Hello, MaxFax on-call?’ – maxillofacial ‘bleep sheet’ proforma for on-call referrals

“…While recent research shows that nine-out-of-ten dental core trainees plan to undertake or have already undertaken an OMFS DCT post, the on-call component has been widely reported as the most challenging and daunting aspect of these posts, alongside lack of medical knowledge and ward duties. [2] , [3] , [4] , [5]…”