Dr Rachel Jackson 5

Do you feel like dental school has fully prepared you for your career in dentistry?

Oh yes. On leaving I was nervous, but I have been shocked at how much I know and can do. I am so proud to see my cohort manage what has been expected of us, transitioning into working life. We are all doing amazingly well.

Our preparation is set to the boundaries of the GDC’s requirements of a ‘safe beginner’, of stakeholder’s opinions and influences, on evidence-base and the constraints of fundings and time. Dental schools are under a great deal of pressure to cover a huge amount of theory and incorporate that into practical skills and nurture your ability to problem solve and communicate whilst transitioning into a professional person. All with an evidence-base both from a dental and teaching perspective. That is not easy to achieve, and I can assure you that each tutor will have chosen to take on their role because they care.

My education has not only prepared me for dentistry, but it has offered me the opportunity to develop myself personally, feel empowered and find aspects of dentistry that nurture my strengths which in turn ensures the best care I can provide for my patients.

The day I started dental school my aim was to become the best restorative dentist that I could be. To eventually teach and support others and to look after people, our patients and the profession. I left with the award for highest clinical proficiency. I still have that same objective today. More so now actually, because I’ve learnt so much about our dental history which fills me with a sense of professional pride.

What advice would you give dental students out there with regards to preparing for the realities of dentistry?

You are privileged to hold the professional title and identity of a dentist. Please don’t forget that. You are entering into a diverse and multifaceted profession, full of opportunities to develop yourself, to gain an income, to grow, to learn and to enjoy a rewarding career. It’s exciting!

Find a trusted mentor, someone who you can turn to for advice that will get the best out of you.
Support your team and they will support you.
Don’t expect to find the perfect practice first time. Dynamics are often different, find one that works for you.
Be willing to pick yourself up when things don’t go well, learn from them and move on
Prioritise the personal qualities of your trainer rather than location of a post if you can.
Take time away from dentistry – look at other disciplines as this perspective can offer you solutions to problems you didn’t expect to find.
Never return to work after a break without booking your next one! Ensure you take time for yourself and your family
Be humble and never stop learning

In this day and age, do you think it is necessary to specialise in dentistry?

That’s an interesting question. I hear this a lot. It has never been necessary to specialise, it just continues to be an option. Which is sensible. It means that practitioners have choices in what they would like to do in their career. This is often dictated to their own interests, location, finances, family and patent needs.

Even though more aspect of restorative practice can be completed by the GDP, because education is more accessible than it’s ever been. I am still grateful for variety; taught specialist training pathways, post-graduate MSc’s and many independent courses etc. This allows us to facilitate our own learning needs. We can choose depending on the type of learner we are. However, we are reliant on the quality of the learning provided and let’s face it, we don’t know what we don’t know and so can be at risk of selecting courses that aren’t as comprehensive as they could be. I do think that in areas of the country where skill level is limited but patient need is high, we should develop funded training opportunities for the GDP. I personally believe in good mentorship alongside your career development and that doesn’t always come from a formal course or training. It can come from a trusted experienced colleague too.

What do you make of the Nhs issues facing dentistry today and what do you think the way forward for dentistry in the Uk would be?

I feel like a little fish in a big pond right now with that question as I am without much experience to offer comment. However, I have been a little disheartened since qualifying and watch practitioners struggle to deliver a good service under such pressures. I am under no illusion that the NHS terms of service do not match todays evidence-base in dentistry or the actual cost and time to provide a quality service. We are often stuck between a rock and hard place resulting in us executing our moral and ethical nature over income to overcome many difficult situations.