Dental Core Training: The Trainee Perspective

Dental Core Training is a postgraduate training period, eligible following successful completion of foundation/vocational training, that has multiple entry points and endpoints with a varied duration from one to three years. The introduction of National Recruitment in 2017, away from a previous individual, Deanery-led process, has introduced new variables such as a ranking-system for preferencing training posts, with the outcome dependent on combined performance at interview and a situational judgement test for which competition is nationally against other applicants.

This unique, trainee-led study provides an appreciation and understanding of the motivations and experiences of trainees who pursue Dental Core Training, such as the rationale behind location and specialty choice, perception of National Recruitment and the situational judgement test and influence of salary variation alongside trainee perceptions and experiences of the training programme from inside the trainee perspective. Undertaking Dental Core Training is not a "forever decision" and will stand the trainee in good stead in pursuit of specialty training or a return to general practice, with a wide variety of opportunities that can lead to fulfilling and a rewarding career pathway for enthusiastic dentists.