Vocational Training
Simon Bowen: Welcome from the Associ
ate Dean
Last year saw a high number of trainer applications for our 48 places in the Yorkshire Deanery and I am delighted that from August 2009 we are able to offer an increase to 6o places and 5 VT schemes.
Potential trainers and those who were disappointed last year are very much encouraged to apply for next year’s entry, and to attend the “So you want to be a Trainer Course” which will be held on 14th November 2008. This course will give up to date information on this ever changing role. Please contact Alison Cook at the Deanery for further details.
The challenge of becoming a Vocational Trainer offers many advantages and benefits to the dentist and their team. 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 competency training and assessment.
We now have 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.
Last year also saw the introduction of a pilot matching process for VT recruitment. I am very grateful to those trainers and VDPs who provided feedback on this process. We are keen to provide a much fairer system than existed previously. Do not hesitate to contact me by e mail on the matching process or any other VT matter. 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
September 2008