Book review: Dental foundation training

  • A. Rai
Radcliffe Publishing price £29.99; pp 160 ISBN 9781846199974 | ISBN: 978-1-8461-9997-4

This is a guide aimed at smoothing the way for dentists undertaking foundation dental training (FT) or competency assessment (FT equivalence) in the UK and to give them a deeper understanding of this vital year. The aim is to give an insight into both the essence and practicalities of training, which makes it an indispensable resource for young dentists.

This conveniently sized, 160-page paperback is divided into nine chapters, with references footnoted throughout and helpful 'Action point', 'Thinking point', 'Reading point' and 'Tip' boxes interspersed within the text. The initial section explains the objectives and structure of foundation training, including the recruitment process. The 'FT journey', educational requirements and clinical expectations are explained. This is followed by a chapter on general dental practice, including a useful set of checklists.

The teaching and learning process and curriculum for FT are covered in the next chapters, covering both the practicalities of competencies and study programmes, and the theoretical aspects of learning styles. The E-portfolio is also explained thoroughly in the subsequent section, which is useful as this is often new and confusing.

The remaining chapters cover issues facing FT dentists, including career options following completion of training and applying for jobs.

Dento-legal considerations are also addressed, with advice on complaints management and clinical governance. Valuable chapters on running into difficulties and a survival guide give further practical advice, tips and dos and don'ts – including how to maintain motivation, avoid back pain and communicate well with trainers and patients alike. The author's experience in the training process is clearly evident in his writing.

This guide may require updates in future to ensure advice remains relevant. There is also very little specific information for those involved in FT in Scotland, with only cursory paragraphs explaining the differences to the England/Wales/Northern Ireland systems. Despite this, the majority of the guide should prove enduringly valuable for those involved in foundation training.

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