Postgraduate Paediatric Dentistry Education in the United Kingdom: the Trainees’ Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: The way in which trainees perceive training programmes can be affected by different clinical and non-clinical factors. This survey aimed to determine the specific elements of training programmes that trainees in Paediatric Dentistry valued the most, and to evaluate their satisfaction with their current training programme.

Materials and Methods: Online surveys were distributed to postgraduate trainees and speciality registrars in Paediatric Dentistry programmes across the UK. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test were generated to analyse the results.

Results: Experience in general anaesthesia, followed by the ease of communication with tutors, experience in dental trauma and availability of supervisors during clinical hours were the most influential factors when choosing a training programme. A high ratio of dental nurses to trainees and engagement in teaching were considered least important. Overall, trainees expressed satisfaction with their current programme, but low satisfaction scores were reported for exposure to intravenous sedation, surgical experience, and teaching in Orthodontics. Females placed value on the geographic location of the training programme. Specialty registrars also preferred the geographic location of the programme and availability of tutors,while postgraduate trainees valued the ease of communication with tutors and exposure to inhalation sedation.

Conclusions: This survey provides an insight into the perceptions of current Paediatric Dentistry trainees. The findings suggest that clinical experience in the training programme and good communication with tutors are highly valued by trainees The outcomes of this study could inform future research into this topic which may be beneficial to programme directors to customise their programmes to suit the needs of prospective trainees.