Vocational Training
Simon Bowen: Welcome from the Associate Dean
I am delighted see that VT appears to have found a renewed momentum in Yorkshire with a high number of trainer applications. This year was especially competitive and a number of potential trainers will have been disappointed. In our deanery area we have a maximum of 48 training places at the present time but we hope to increase this next year. These dentists are very much encouraged to re-apply for next year's entry and to attend the "So You Want To Be a Trainer" course run in November 2008. This will provide much more information on all aspects of VT. Please contact the Deanery for further details.
The challenge of becoming a Vocational Trainer offers many advantages and benefits to the dentist and their team and may well be the only way of expanding a practice under the new dental contract. Over the last 12 months we have worked with practices to accommodate more than one VDP where appropriate and developed shorter periods of Vocational Training for dentists seeking competancy training and assessment.
This year also sees the start of formal assessment of VDPs as part of their VT year and together with James Spencer, Associate Dental Dean for Specialist Training we are keen to work towards the introduction of a two year programme of dental foundation training (still currently known as General Professional Training) which will utilise the existing VT year and a number of salaried placements throughout the Yorkshire Deanery.
We are currently piloting a matching process for VT Recruitment. We very much welcome feedback on this process from both potential VDPs and trainers. Please email any comments on this process to s.bowen@yorkshiredeanery.com
Since DVTA ceased to exist in April 2006 the central guidance for VT is now undertaken by COPDEND. Please visit their website for up to date advice.
Once again I look forward to working with both trainers and VDPs to ensure that VT in Yorkshire provides the highest quality education for newly qualified dentists.
Simon Bowen
Associate Dental Dean for VT and General Practice Education
March 2008