Sir, I write in response to a letter from Patel, Evans and McKechnie (Fundamental training; BDJ 2009; 207: 51) to voice support for the fundamental training currently provided for our UK graduates. I believe that the authors have highlighted an important value of postgraduate training; however, are they confusing a lack of confidence with incompetence?

Dentists are now expected to be competent but not confident in all aspects of the profession upon graduation. It is well recognised that acquiring and improving skills ought to be a lifelong process. Continual professional development is significant from the outset of a dental career and this can be initiated by a two-year structured training pathway as set out in 'A Curriculum for UK Dental Foundation Programme Training'.1 I urge all readers to familiarise themselves with this document which was commissioned by the Department of Health and endorsed by the Faculty of Dental Surgery and the Faculty of General Dental Practice. This sets the standard for future postgraduate training and the way in which our profession is moving. This training 'provides trainees with a wider range of opportunities to develop communication, team working and clinical skills'. These opportunities include experimental learning within the workplace, coaching, mentorship, formal educational events and self-directed learning. The trainees must demonstrate achievement and readiness to progress through the stages of training, ensuring that their competence and confidence are ever increasing.

We, as a profession, need to move our thinking forward from the archaic view that at the point of gaining a BDS qualification we possess all knowledge and skills required for a whole career in dentistry. Young, new dentists, having started their career with foundation training, will be continually improving their practice and those who do not follow suit will soon be left behind.