This paper makes recommendations for the improvement of assessment in postgraduate dental education. The recommendations are based on a twelve-month study conducted in 1998/99 which evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of the existing assessment systems. Evidence was taken from examination syllabi…
The role of competencies in postgraduate dental education and training has been a major topic of interest in recent years. Concerns have been voiced from all sides of the profession about how the competence of trainees and the quality of training can be assured so that high standards of patient care…
Objective: To describe current patterns of employment, career intentions and factors that influence career choice in young graduates. Design: A cross-sectional postal survey. Subjects: Graduates from the years 1991 and 1994 were selected to provide cohorts before and after the introduction of mandat…
A pilot scheme for a second year of vocational training started in January 1994 in the West Midlands region. The position involved working part time as an associate dental surgeon in an approved general dental practice and part time as a house officer rotating around the various departments at the B…
January 1994 saw the start of a pilot second year VT scheme in the West Midlands combining house officer/GDP associateship experience as an integral part of general postgraduate training in dentistry. The scheme is funded by a grant from the W.M. Board of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education. T…
This article reviews the practice visiting procedures employed in vocational training. The particular usage examined is that employed in the West Midlands region after a 10-year development period, although most regions employ a similar format. It is hoped that the article will be of particular assi…
An orthodontic module for the vocational training scheme has been designed specifically with the needs of trainees in mind. It has the two-fold aim of streaming patients in relation to orthodontic requirement and providing a proper understanding of the very specific nature of interceptive measures s…
In the name therefore of the love of truth, in the name of the dignity of our profession, in the name of the good of all mankind, I implore you carefully to investigate this important subject.' So said John Elliotson on June 27, 1846. In 1984 in Glasgow, a very eminent dentist said, 'Everyone knows …
I am now drawing towards the end of my year in Eastbourne as a vocational trainee on the Brighton Scheme. Eastbourne is a busy seaside resort on the south coast. Rather a lot of 'grannies' reside there; but contrary to popular belief I do not spend all day, every day making and repairing dentures! T…
Vocational training, a stepping stone or a wasted year? The response speaks for itself. The need was perceived for some sort of cushioning between under-graduate protection and the harsh realities of a working day in general practice. The support for the scheme from dental students was overwhelming.…
Ten people met for the first time as trainees after lunch on Thursday, 4 February, 1988 at an hotel near Ipswich. They were to live and work together until teatime on Saturday. Twelve trainers joined them from late afternoon on Friday, staying on after the trainees left, until lunchtime on the Sunda…
