COVID-19 and Postgraduate Dental Training-A commentary

Area of Science:

• Oral Health Sciences
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• Postgraduate dental training in the UK, including Dental Core Training (DCT) and Specialty Training, faced significant disruptions.
• The authors' experiences at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) provide a specific context for these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the short-term and long-term implications of COVID-19 on UK postgraduate dental training.
• To share insights and reflections on the impact of the pandemic on Dental Core Training (DCT) and Specialty Training.
• To consider necessary adaptations for future disruptions in dental postgraduate education.

Main Methods:

• This study is a commentary based on the authors' experiences and observations.
• It involves a reflective analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on dental training programs.
• The discussion is contextualized within a specific NHS Foundation Trust but aims for broader relevance.

Main Results:

• The pandemic led to immediate disruptions in clinical exposure and educational activities for dental trainees.
• Long-term implications include potential impacts on skill acquisition, career progression, and the overall structure of dental training.
• Adaptations were necessary to maintain training quality and trainee well-being during and after the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 has had profound short-term and long-term effects on UK postgraduate dental training.
• The experiences highlight the need for resilient and adaptable training models to address future healthcare crises.
• Further discussion and strategic planning are essential to ensure the continuity and quality of dental postgraduate education.