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The dental core training experience: the views of trainees and their postgraduate training leads

Abstract

Introduction Dental core training (DCT) is an optional, postgraduate programme with a duration of one to three years that dentists in the UK can pursue to further strengthen their skillset.

Aims To understand career motivations and preferences of trainees pursuing DCT, and their perceptions and experiences of the programme.

Methods Data were gathered from 176 DCT trainees across England through focus groups or individual paper-based responses to questions, as well as telephone interviews with ten associate postgraduate dental deans/training programme directors.

Results Trainees were generally positive about their overall DCT experience. They developed confidence, self-reliance and skills in teamwork and clinical aspects, gaining from exposure to conditions uncommon in general practice. Limitations and challenges varied by post and unit. The importance of broad, cross-specialty experience was recognised. Although run-through training would eliminate unwelcome annual relocation, it was deemed unsuitable for all trainees, particularly those intending a career in general practice.

Conclusion DCT appears to be advantageous for those intending careers in general dental practice, those aiming for specialist practice and those uncertain of their future career trajectory. Although trainees reported positive training experiences and significant gains, future considerations are suggested, including maintaining flexibility to accommodate different motives for DCT and limiting across-unit variation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Health Education England for commissioning and funding this study. We are most grateful to all the trainees on the dental core training programmes, the associate postgraduate dental deans and the training programme directors, who kindly gave up their time and consented to be interviewed or take part in a focus group for this study.

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Correspondence to Alison Bullock.

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Co-author Andrew Dickenson, in his role at Health Education England, was linked to the commissioning of this study and therefore the study design. However, the data collection and analysis were undertaken by other authors, led by Alison Bullock.

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Bullock, A., Bartlett, S., Cowpe, J. et al. The dental core training experience: the views of trainees and their postgraduate training leads. Br Dent J 228, 952–956 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1706-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1706-4

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