The perceived barriers of vocational dental practitioners in London to specialisation

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the short- and long-term career aspirations and barriers to postgraduate study of recently qualified vocational dental practitioners (VDPs).

Method: One hundred and eight vocational dental practitioners in London were asked to complete a questionnaire survey.

Results: The questionnaires were completed by 94 respondents (85%) and results indicated that the majority of the VDPs wanted to continue to work in general dental practice after vocational training (VT). Nearly 80% of the VDPs were considering undertaking further postgraduate studies in the form of the MFDS examination and 25% were seriously considering undertaking specialist training. Perceived barriers to specialist training included the time, cost and requirement of gaining the MFDS.

Conclusions: The questionnaire showed that despite recently completing their undergraduate education, VDPs were considering obtaining further qualifications and potentially following a pathway leading to specialist training.