Sir, I write in response to a recent Letter to the Editor1 emphasising the need for guidance and teaching for young dentists in building their academic portfolio.

Being a foundation dentist myself, I welcome the comments made stressing the importance of building a well-rounded portfolio, yet there are some remarks I wish to contest. The author expressed concern regarding the lack of ability young dentists have in conducting research, stating: 'they [young dentists] are never taught to collect data for an audit, or how to carry out a research project'. Having completed a biomedical degree before dentistry, I appreciate the differences between graduates and undergraduate students in their ability to apply scientific methods and approaches to medical research. Early exposure to research through a previous degree allows an individual to enhance their skills in critically analysing data, formulating research questions, applying findings from literature, and understanding ethical and governance issues in research. Some UK undergraduate dental degrees incorporate a student-selected component (SSC) into their dental curriculum.

The General Medical Council ensures all UK medical degrees include an SSC to the course, allowing students to study beyond the scope of the core curriculum, providing an opportunity to pursue academia/personal and vocational interests, and apply and develop skills in research.2 Conversely, the Standards for Education document produced by the General Dental Council does not emphasise SSC.3 Although most undergraduate dental courses in the UK offer an intercalated BSc/MSc to enhance research skills, I feel the responsibility lies with the GDC which should revise their standards for dental education by incorporating an SSC into the dental curriculum.

The letter also expressed concerns regarding young dentists not 'knowing how to get published'. My first introduction to publishing was an evening lecture where the BDJ Editor-in-Chief gave a lecture titled: 'Getting published in the BDJ and elsewhere'. This provided a great level of motivation and guidance on publishing. I am sure many universities would benefit from such a lecture, and an email inviting the BDJ to give an in-person lecture or webinar would provide a great level of guidance and opportunities to others.

Lastly, the author mentioned the elements that make up a 'good' portfolio including academic achievements, but stated 'young dentists will inevitably miss out on opportunities as a result of not knowing where to look for them'. Having recently taken part in the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Rising Star Scholarship, it was disappointing to find only 11 out of the thousands of applicable dental students across the UK submitted an entry for the competition. There are many extra-curricular opportunities available to dental students/new graduates, all of which are well communicated through various channels. Perhaps young dentists lack the initiative to take on these opportunities, rather than 'not knowing where to look for them'?