The perceived barriers of vocational dental practitioners in London to specialisation

Abstract

To investigate the short- and long-term career aspirations and barriers to postgraduate study of recently qualified vocational dental practitioners (VDPs). One hundred and eight vocational dental practitioners in London were asked to complete a questionnaire survey. 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. 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.