An investigation of the clinical experiences of dentists within the national dental foundation training programme in the North West of England

Background Foundation training (FT) is a year spent in a training practice gaining clinical experience. The aims of this research was to investigate the clinical experiences of Foundation Dentist (FD) in the North West of England. Method Three reach tool were implemented; a questionnaire to be completed by FDs at the end of their training, an analysis of the clinical logs of experience recorded in the educational portfolios and NHSBSA activity data for the 12 month period of training. Results A response rate of 100% (n=50) was achieved for the questionnaire and complete data for 49 of the 50 FDs was available from the NHSBSA and clinical logs in the educational portfolios. Trainees were satisfied with the clinical experience and believed their workload provided a broad experience of clinical conditions although 40% felt there were gaps in their clinical experience. There was a statistically significant increase in procedures recorded in the portfolio log when compared to the NHSBSA data. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that there is satisfaction amongst FDs with their FT. There is wide level of clinical experience amongst FDs with gaps which need to be addressed. In order to provide a consistent, cost effective approach to the delivery of FT changes are required to ensure minimum levels of clinical procedures during DFT. The information collected in the training portfolio must be robust in order to make valid judgements on progress.