Working and training through COVID-19 - completion of UK dental foundation training portfolios: a two-cohort study

Introduction In March 2020, a cohort of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) were affected by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2020, a second cohort of DFTs began their training, with COVID-19 still affecting provision of primary dental care.Aims To study the effects of COVID-19 on these two cohorts by surveying Wales' dental core trainees (DCTs) who had been undertaking dental foundation training (DFTg) in 2019/20 and 2020/21.Materials and methods Following ethical approval, we conducted two online surveys for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 DFTs' cohorts. We compared and contrasted their reported completion of various DFTg curriculum components and any additional skills derived from redeployment.Results A response rate of 52% was achieved for both surveys. All participants successfully completed DFTg; although, some small differences were noted between the cohorts and their ability to fulfil all their portfolio requirements.Discussion Despite the effects of COVID-19, all DFTs were able to demonstrate completion of curriculum elements. The redeployment of three DFTs enhanced their learning. This was comparable to reports from other DFTs who were redeployed in the pandemic.Conclusions All DCTs surveyed from both cohorts successfully completed their DFTg portfolios. In some cases, additional skills were developed, which in the absence of the pandemic, may not have been the case.