Graduating dental school brings the feeling of relief and excitement that you have finally succeeded. The long stressful journey of exams, case presentations and trying to find patients to complete your treatment quotas is now over, you've finally done it, and you have obtained your BDS qualification.
You are now out in the big wide world and the protective umbrella of the dental school no longer exists. It hits you, the realization, that you are not constantly overlooked, and the treatment you offer and the advice you give to patients is your responsibility.
The Dental Foundation Year 1 is a good year for you, so make the most of it. It is the year you have the support of a trainer who will assist and give you the encouragement to take on complex cases and have the guidance and assistance to gain the experience you need before you start your dental career either in general practice or the hospital environment.
You will go from seeing three patients a day in dental school to seeing on average 17 patients a day during foundation training and this can be quite daunting.
Here are some tips for your first year:
- Be confident.
- Ask for help.
- Keep good clinical records.
- Take clinical photographs and keep a portfolio of your best work.
- Challenge yourself to try and develop your skills e.g. Rotary Endo or surgical extraction.
- Invest in loupes and good posture, protect your back.
- Good communication- this is with your body language and tone of voice not just the content of what you are trying to say.
- Respect your nurse.
- Speak to you lab technician or even better visit them.
- Don't forget the gums, ensure BPE is always recorded and beware of occlusion this can have detrimental effect on patients function. Also note any tooth wear or TMJD.
- Networking - Dentistry is a small community and there is a lot to learn from your colleagues.
- Keep on learning, consider doing MJDF/MFDS
- Career plan - think about your future and where you would like to be in five years' time, a dental associate in general practice or DF2/SHO in hospital or learn about practice management invaluable
Dr Shandy Mohanan BDS
Dental Protection is the leading indemnity provider.
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