The two-year longitudinal dental foundation training programme: an option worth revisiting

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Professional Training Schemes

Background:

• Longitudinal Dental Foundation Training (LDFT) programs have historically provided essential experience for dental graduates.
• Recent years have seen the closure of LDFT schemes in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
• Only two LDFT/General Professional Training (GPT) schemes now remain in England.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the current status of LDFT/GPT schemes in the UK.
• To highlight the potential for expansion and development of these schemes.
• To inform stakeholders about ongoing reforms in dental education and training.

Main Methods:

• Review of the current landscape of dental foundation training programs.
• Analysis of the Health Education England (HEE) 'Advancing Dental Care' project.
• Discussion of potential future directions for LDFT/GPT schemes.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in the availability of LDFT schemes across the UK.
• The North East England GPT and Yorkshire and Humberside LDFT schemes are the sole remaining programs.
• LDFT/GPT has been identified for further consideration in HEE's reform project.

Conclusions:

• The closure of LDFT schemes necessitates a re-evaluation of dental postgraduate training.
• The HEE 'Advancing Dental Care' project presents a critical opportunity to revitalize and expand dental training nationwide.
• Future development of LDFT/GPT schemes could ensure continued high-quality training for dental graduates across the UK.