We asked some current and previous FDs about their experience of DFT in the Midlands.
Click the boxes below to read their answers
"I chose the Derbyshire scheme as it was a good location for me to reach family and friends with good road links to most of the UK. Being on the edge of the Peak District with lovely unspoilt countryside and nature was also a big draw"
"I chose the Stoke & Staffordshire scheme due to its location, as I don't live too far from here"
"When it came to selecting schemes, I was heavily influenced on the proximity to my family home therefore I ranked all midlands scheme high"
"I was fortunate enough to have this lovely scheme (Staffordshire and Stoke) as my closest scheme to my family home in North Birmingham. I had been to university in Plymouth for 5 years which was a great experience but fancied moving back home for a year, I knew a few people in the year above on this scheme who all had positive experiences, so I was happy I got my first choice! My practice was just a 10 minute drive from my family home, the short commute definately took the pressure off a little, than peers who were commuting across the city."
"Coming out of university and into foundation year my main concern was being left alone and without support. Thankfully this was not the case. Throughout the whole process support was provided by the whole dental team, as well as my TPD. Everyone involved made a massive effort in creating an environment where I felt safe and comfort to raise any issues or concerns. The support network in place had it clear that there was always someone to provide a helping hand whether it was dental related or not"
"I have felt extremely supported during my FD year. I have been able to undertake less than full time training due to caring responsibilities, I was able to access 12 sessions of grief counselling and I was also provided with coaching to improve my confidence. I was given the opportunity to have my FD year extended as I was not able to meet all the requirements by the end of the year. I've had regular contact with the associate dean who has meetings with me to check how I'm getting on. My TPD is also very supportive & understanding! Throughout my training I have felt nothing but support which I'm very grateful for."
"I have felt extremely supported this year and feel that I can ask my ES's for help at anytime, they have an open-door policy and are very friendly and approachable and I can ask for help no matter how big or small my query is. They have also been supportive with matters outside of dentistry, especially when starting, with things such as finding accommodation. The wider team within the scheme have also been supportive throughout the year."
"I have to say, my ES, other ES's and especially the TPD were all super supportive (ES Dr Rajpreet Sidhu, other ES at sister practice, Dr Gurjit Moore and TPD Dr Shaam Shamsi). Moving into practice from Uni is a huge leap but these mentors made the transition so much smoother and less daunting for me. Dr Sidhu took time to explain the NHS regulations and common questions both clinical and admin wise as there is lots of paperwork for first jobs! There was always an open-door policy and I found it so useful to ask lots of questions as so to not get into bad habits/ consolidate my understanding of core clinical skills, and then was given a supportive platform to try treatments that were initially out of my comfort zone in a safe environment under supervision."
"I am currently doing a year of Max Fax DCT at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. I left DFT still feeling like I was lacking confidence in surgical extractions and the medical side of a dental patient and now, 6 months in, I already feel more comfortable with these skills and would recommend everyone to do the same! Have a much better understanding of anatomy and clinical relevance of medical history and even just working in a hospital environment, so I would strongly urge it after DFT, even if it's just for one year. I am tempted to do another!"
"After FD I am planning to stay full time at my current practice which is testament to how welcome I have been made to feel by the whole dental team"
"Since finishing my foundation year, I have stayed in the Midlands and continued working a part of the NHS. I split my time between two NHS practices, one being my foundation practice, so I can continue to develop of general dental skill and knowledge. Being exposed further to all aspects of dentistry means I can confidently identify what I enjoy the most, thus create an action plan to expand that area. Recently I undertook an anterior and posterior composite course as I gained an interest in cosmetic dentistry during my foundation year"
"I have applied to DCT so I hope to do that"
"I am really enjoying dental foundation training and more so than I would’ve imagined! This year so far has provided me with countless learning opportunities and the support to grow as in independent practitioner. The exposure has been essential in developing my clinical skills as well as creating opportunity to interact with a diverse patient population, enhancing my interpersonal skills in such a short space of time. The structured learning environment allows for a smooth transition between university life and work life with a curriculum covering all aspects of dentistry from theory to practical training. The supervision and mentorship has also helped to foster my professional development and I am very grateful for those around me (supervisor, nurses, managers and receptionists!)
I’m in Newark which is a lively market town full of independent shops and a great community with very good road and rail links. I live in the town centre which is a 5 minute walk to work. My practice is a lovely (and very busy) mixed NHS/private practice. My surgery is a really good size (with air conditioning!) and the dental team here are great at supporting you in your foundation year. I am very grateful for my nurses, they are brilliant!
My scheme is quite spread out around Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire however its always great to meet up after study days or on the weekends for socials. The study days are mostly in person either at Lincoln County Hospital for lectures or Kingsmill Hospital for hands on clinical skills. Some sessions are online, and some are with the entire Midlands region, often in Birmingham, for regional teaching days."