Here we take a look at what's been published in our sister publication, BDJ In Practice that you may have missed!

The perception of readiness

Westgarth D. BDJ In Pract 2023; 36: 14-18.

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©Tim Marrs

In October's issue, we took a closer look at what the perception of readiness really means. For example, some students felt they were ready for clinical practice when their tutors felt otherwise - and vice versa. How does reality differ for each individual? What does readiness mean? You'll find an excellent contribution from BDJ Student reader panel member and 5th year dental student at Queen's University Belfast, Brianna Gormley in there, too.

To read the full article, visit www.nature.com/articles/s41404-023-2175-7.

How to overcome perfectionism

Rahman D. BDJ In Pract 2023; 36: 20-21.

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©Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank/Getty Images Plus

In November, author and mind coach David Rahman addressed the very popular topic of perfectionism in dentistry in which he said ‘noted that dentistry is a discipline where perfection can be both a blessing and a curse. Whilst there is a desire to seek the best result for the patient, there may be an underlying anxiety which accompanies the unconscious need to get the perfect result. This can take a toll on the dentist's mental and physical health, thereby affecting other areas of their life.'

As a dental student, it will be a topic many will have encountered. David's step-by-step methodology to overcoming the sensation is a must-read.

To read the full piece, visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41404-023-2185-5.

‘Things need to be done differently and new ideas need to be brought to the table'

Westgarth D. BDJ In Pract 2023; 36: 9-11.

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Yaqoub Imran

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Maryam Al-Dubooni

In this interview with student editor Yaqoub Imran and reader panel member Maryam Al-Dubooni, we discussed the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan's suggestion to introduce ‘incentives or other measures, such as a tie-in period, that encourage dentists to spend a minimum proportion of their time delivering NHS care in the years following graduation'.

What did fourth and fifth year students make of it? Were they broadly supportive or rejecting it on principle?

To find out what they said, check out the free-to-view article at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41404-023-2224-2.