How did you become a regional dentist for IDH?
I graduated in 2007 from Queen Mary’s College and began my vocational training working for a dental practice before becoming an associate. I was practising general dentistry, mainly NHS work, with some private. After several years, I wanted a change and happened upon an advert in a dental journal about the IDH regional role and saw it could offer me the variety I wanted. I joined the scheme in October 2011.
Why did the role appeal to you?
I had started to stagnate in my associate role and wondered if there was life outside of the four walls of my surgery. Working in the same small practice with the same colleagues five days a week seemed to lack excitement. When I heard about the variety that the regional dentist role could offer, I didn’t look back. I enjoy meeting new people and I knew working in so many different practices would give me an opportunity to form a larger network of colleagues.
I think it is a great role for graduates who have completed their vocational training and spent some time as associates. The role offers realistic UDA targets to help ease less experienced graduates into the workplace. This way they can increase their UDAs slowly as they build up their experience because there is far less pressure and I think it’s better for the patients too, as new dentists won’t feel rushed or stressed and can focus on talking to patients. I also think any experienced dentist looking for a job that is stimulating and flexible would enjoy the role. You need adaptability, willingness to travel, enthusiasm for dentistry and strong social skills.
What are some of the unexpected benefits you get from the role?
I’ve learnt a lot, perhaps more than others who are in traditional associate roles, by working with a variety of dentists with different specialisms across my region. You don’t have any lab bills and your medical indemnity and GDC fees are paid for. You are given a bonus if you do more UDAs than assigned, and a £300 car allowance package (which contributes to the average 45-60 minutes of driving to a practice per day), you also get a great financial package and lots of development support.
What is a normal week like?
I always work certain days of the week in the same place, this provides some necessary stability with patient bases, which is important for continuity of care. I tend to stay working in the same few practices for a period of months rather than just a few weeks. When I am needed at a new practice, the transition has always been smooth and well organised by the area manager so that no days are missed. I’ve been at two of the practices since I first started the scheme 18 months ago, which has given me stability and flexibility.
What are your plans/goals for after the scheme is finished?
I’ve opted to stay in the regional dentist scheme. I enjoy the wide-ranging and diverse role and currently I would not want to move to a position that would be less varied. I would quite like to gain more experience in this role, then I would consider furthering my skills in my favourite field of dentistry, endodontics. In terms of the future it would be great to have my own practice in a few years, an aspiration that I am sure is shared by many young dentists.
Has this role changed your view on dentistry?
I think this role has made me more passionate about dentistry, and has made me more aware of dentistry’s scope. I feel that my clinical skills have progressed a great deal faster since starting the role, and it has taught me to be more adaptable when communicating with new patients and staff members. I enjoy dentistry more than ever now that I have this role.