Management of dentist training has recently been devolved to HEE local teams (was previously run by a couple of teams for the wider organisation).
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Core - end in itself or pathway to specialty training - can be 1, 2 or 3 years, hospital-based. Longer dentist spends in core training the more likely they are to get on to specialty training programme. Some programmes specify minimum core e.g. SW must do 2 years core before you can go on to Specialty.
Specialty Specialist - 3-5 years leading to registration as Dental Consultant. Dental specialties include oral surgery, restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine . (full list here).
(NB - confusingly GDC refer to 'specialists' and 'specialism' and not 'specialties')
Overview of Dental Foundation Training
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Each FD has an on-line e-portfolio, which is used as an educational aid throughout the year. On a regular basis the FD records achievements and concerns, and describes and analyses events that have occurred recently. The Trainer works with the FD and the Portfolio to produce action plans and regular assessments of development.
On completion one year of Dental Foundation Training, FDs are eligible to for an NHS Performers List number; this enables them to treat NHS patients.
Dentists who apply to a LETB for competency assessment, in lieu of completing training in a deanery approved training scheme, will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies set out in Form GDS1; this includes a requirement to have gained experience of working in the NHS and to have an understanding of NHS rules and regulations in respect of dental treatment. Need to get clarification on this last paragraph.
(Source - HEE East of England)
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