Amit Patel graduated from Leeds University in 2012. In this article he demonstrates some of the important practical steps you can take to ease the transition from University to general dental practice which can be used as a checklist before commencing your dental foundation training.
Research
Taking some time to do some basic research will help you with the decisions you have to make.
Think about the location you will be working in and the transport links and services it has to offer. Consider the type of practice and the experience of your trainer.
Introduce Yourself
Once you have secured a Dental Foundation year 1 post in a practice, contact your trainer via the associated deanery, practice website or contact details provided.
Make an effort to visit the practice prior to graduating if possible, to get a feel for where you'll be working and to have a practice tour. There will be some mandatory paper work that you'll need to sign before you commence work.
Read the practice policies before starting work, ask your trainers for more details.
Provide your bank details to the trainer so you can be paid!
Administration
Before commencing dental foundation training there may be some bits and bobs to sort out in your final months of University:
- GDC registration - registration with the GDC is essential. You can do this here https://www.gdc-uk.org/professionals/registration
- Medical examination - the GDC need to know you are fit to practise
- Enhanced CRB - this is mandatory and you will be sent details of how to obtain one by your University or local deanery
- Professional indemnity - this is a legal requirement before you practise.
- Finance - consider talking to a financial adviser with a specialist in dental professionals to ensure you get the most out of your earnings
- Medical insurance - ensure you are covered for medical sickness in case you are unable to practise
Accommodation
If you are relocating make an early effort to find suitable accommodation. Look into sharing options with friends from home or university or even those on your scheme.
Travel
If you have to travel to the practice by car, bus or train, do a trial run at your normal commuting time to ensure you know how much time to allow on your journey to avoid being late.
Knowledge
There are many associations and publications you can sign up to which will keep you up to date with changes in dentistry and other useful information. We recommend:
Postgraduate Qualifications
Now may be a good time to start considering post graduate qualifications and the differences between them.
- MJDF - "The Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties at The Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF RCS Eng)"
The MJDF is the starting point to postgraduate career progression in general practice these days. It consists of two parts (part 1 is multiple choice based and single best answer; whilst part 2 is OSCE based).
- MFDS - "The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (MFDS RCS Ed or MFDS RCPS Glas)"
The MFDS also consists of two parts (part 1 is a written examination with single best answer and short answers questions; whilst part 2 is OSCE based). This examination is normally taken in Scotland but different examination locations may be available, check the royal college websites for further details.
Amit Patel
[email protected]