Navigating your Dental Foundation Training

As you progress, with the support of your Educational Supervisors (ES) and team, you will learn how to independently make decisions and integrate them into your daily practise. You will learn a great amount from each new situation you are presented with and will witness significant growth in yourself as a dentist, which is a hugely enjoyable payoff.

Reflecting on my experience

The ability to independently examine, diagnose, and execute comprehensive treatment plans is a gratifying outcome of the demanding work you invest during your time at university. Undoubtedly, my Dental Foundation Training (DFT) journey has proven to be a rewarding experience. This time is extremely valuable, it offers a supportive environment to refine the skills you learned in dental school without the constraints of time pressures or business demands.

At the start of my year, I had the luxury of gradually building my clinical confidence and reflecting on each clinical experience. As my practice was in a particularly high needs area, my colleagues and I had to treat patients at a faster pace than we were used to in dental school. This meant that, by the end, we had enough firsthand experience to naturally enhance our performance. I was quite anxious initially at the prospect of practicing at this level, however, it developed into an enjoyable experience.

Your supervisors will create the supportive environment most suitable for your needs, and you will be able to navigate challenging patients and unfamiliar situations, always asking for help if you are uncertain. As you transition into an independent practitioner, you will have to handle unexpected situations, so being in a reassuring environment is particularly important while you are learning. You will also receive support from your scheme’s Training Programme Director. This support can be extremely valuable if case issues arise that cannot be resolved in practice.

Navigating your training

While navigating the challenges of your foundation year, you will be presented with various potentially stressful situations. Communication is key. Always keep patients informed and clearly present treatment options. Each patient deserves your complete attention, so it is crucial not to linger on setbacks. Afterwards, reflect, seek advice from your ES, extract lessons, and consider changes you could make to improve in the future.

Having been at the practice longer, building a relationship with nurses can provide you with access to their wealth of experience and a clear understanding of the practice dynamics. They can provide essential support as you acclimate to your unfamiliar environment. Establishing a good relationship with your nurse will not only make work more enjoyable, but it will also ensure things run seamlessly for your patients.

From the start of your career, ensure you take thorough notes and align yourself with GDC Standards. Clear and concise notes are invaluable and should demonstrate the discussions as well as treatment provided. Well-kept records can then be relied upon if any patient misunderstandings arise. They provide clarity, which can help to resolve any confusion, particularly amongst developing legal issues and patient complaints. Accurate note taking not only demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice, but as they can be reviewed by a third person, including the patient, claimant solicitor, or regulator, they can prove very useful when investigating and considering a potential legal case.

Working for your future

Try to gain as much substance from your DFT year as you can. It will be an exciting, yet steep, learning curve but remember that you are not navigating this time alone. Your fellow DFTs can form a crucial support network, which will help you realise we all share similar experiences. You should use this year to forge connections and learn from your colleagues’ diverse accomplishments.

As you transition away from your familiar university environment and start your foundation year, dentistry can feel overwhelming and all-encompassing. Engaging in your hobbies and spending time with friends and family is necessary to unwind and relax. Taking these breaks will allow you to approach each week with a fresh perspective. They will provide you with the right mindset to face any challenges that may arise, while also preventing burnout.

By the end of your DFT year, your potential career paths broaden significantly. With so many options available, ranging from general practice to Dental Core Training roles, you will have to carefully consider which path is right for you. Transitioning from working in your approved practice into being an associate can be quite a difficult change, make sure you utilize your time and gain what you need from it. Ultimately, your year is what you make of it, you will be able to shape it into the enriching and rewarding experience you envision.