My first job in dentistry

Dentist David Griffiths shares his experience of those first few, all-important years in practice with Young Dentist readers.

I knew from the start that I would begin working primarily under an NHS contract. Upon completing my training, it felt a ‘safer’ environment in which to initially advance the techniques, skills and practical abilities I’d learnt during my undergraduate studies.

I believe it would be almost impossible to be employed by a private dental practice as a new graduate (in the UK) without any prior experience, as usually employers would request a minimum of two years’ clinical experience post-graduation. Also, new graduates usually have zero business experience and are in no financial position to set up their own practice. Therefore, initially working under an NHS contract is the natural progression after graduation.

The ups and downs of the NHS

The benefit of working under an NHS contract is that it provides professional stability. I did soon realise, however, that there were some less favourable aspects. Despite the current NHS contract being able to benefit patients in the majority of clinical scenarios, there are some circumstances in which private options become more feasible. When treatment does not fall within NHS’ criteria, it can lead to patient dissatisfaction with the dentist, rather than the system.

Also, if a dental practice is to survive within any community, it must engage with it in a positive way, and so dentists must be able to spend time providing treatments that patients are happy with. The NHS contract may be seen as only allowing the time fundamental to completing treatment. Additional time would be appreciated to enable, for example, building rapport with patients so that they are more likely to return for follow-up care, or to expand on long-term treatment options.

Sharing knowledge

There is limited impartial guidance regarding the benefits and downfalls of a career either under an NHS contract or providing only private treatments within the undergraduate curriculum. This division is rarely discussed, as it is not a simple case of NHS versus private.

For those a few years behind me I would recommend they gain experience in both these areas either before or in the years following graduation, to experience the diversity of the spectrum of treatment for themselves.

Training should focus on the ability to carry out good quality treatment and be expanded upon during a dentist’s career within their level of competency. It is up to the individual to decide what form this should take

 Biog

After graduating from Liverpool University in 2011, David Griffiths moved to Newcastle to complete a two-year General Professional Training programme (VT1 and 2), which included working within a large NHS practice in the centre of Sunderland and within several specialist departments in Newcastle Dental Hospital. Following this, he worked as an Oral and Maxillofacial SHO in the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle. Currently, David is working back in Merseyside, beginning his first year within a General Dental Practice as a full-time associate dentist; he focusses primarily on NHS treatments and the practice offers private care through a patient membership plan administered by Practice Plan.

If you’re thinking about your future and would like some obligation-free expert advice you can trust, please call 01691 684120 or visit www.practiceplan.co.uk/nhs.