DT News - UK - Lack of training places may force Scottish dental graduates to go abroad

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 5 February 2014

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STIRLING – Dental graduates in Scotland may be facing problems in finding a dental practice where they can undergo vocational training, which is compulsory for future NHS dentists. According to the British Dental Association (BDA), more than one-third of the 192 students graduating in June could be left without a placement. The Scottish government has announced that it will increase the funding of trainers.

As reported by the website HeraldScotland.com, a shortage of training places could force many graduates, who cost taxpayers £150,000 (€180,000) each to train, to abandon the UK and work overseas, in places such as Australia or New Zealand.

Last year already, dental graduates had trouble finding practices that would take them on. The problem was resolved by sending some of them to train at hospitals or community outreach centres, although tutelage of an experienced practitioner was not always provided there.

According to the website article, the Scottish government has announced an increase in the grant given to trainers, from £13,164 (€15,900) to a maximum of £15,000 (€18,000). Furthermore, Dr David Felix, the Dean of Postgraduate Dental Education at NHS Education for Scotland, has stated that additional education resources for training practices will be provided.

Whether these steps will help to improve the situation is doubtful, as trainers are obviously concerned about any negative impact of taking on graduates. Pat Kilpatrick, director of the BDA in Scotland, told HeraldScotland.com that some trainers have threatened to pull out owing to the fear that they could lose money on their NHS pension if a trainee does not gross around £70,000 (€84,000) in treatments a year.

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