Article
The Effect of COVID-19 on dental foundation training applications
COVID-19 in dental school
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered several features in the practice of dentistry globally, including dental education. Most UK-based dental schools have been closed for at least 6 months and will be operating at a lower capacity once they re-open. Dental schools have been working diligently to establish protocols to ensure that the dental team and patients are in a safe environment. This includes wearing robust PPE, limiting the number of attending patients and one-way walking systems. Students will also be fit-tested for masks before performing aerosol producing procedures. Furthermore, there is likely to be an increase in simulation teaching, such as phantom head work and using virtual reality technology.
Dental foundation training application alterations
In June, it was announced that, in light of COVID-19, the dental foundation training (DFT) application process would be altered. Whilst previously the ranking for DFT placements was based on face-to-face assessment centre interviews and a situational judgement test (SJT), it will now be based solely on the SJT in order to reduce social contact during interviews. Naturally, applicants are under an increased amount of pressure, given that they will no longer have an interview to support their application or an outlet to present their personalities and enthusiasm to potential trainers.
Expectation for the future
Despite the efforts made by universities to continue teaching during the pandemic, students will be graduating having partaken in less clinical time at university. Furthermore, in the event of a second wave of the virus, there are likely to be further disruptions. Due to the lack of clinical time, it is probable that newly qualified dentists will require more support from their dental trainers. In addition, with video and phone consultations becoming more routine, learning to conduct these effectively may become essential to training. With diligent planning and preparation, there is hope that the next cohort of dental foundation trainees will also have a constructive training experience and ultimately be able to provide optimal care to their patients.