A guide to entry into specialist training.

Dental graduates have a number of career pathways to choose from, one of which is to train as a specialist. It is sometimes difficult to obtain good advice on entering the specialist training process. This paper, aimed at recent dental graduates, gives an overview of what is required of applicants who wish to obtain a specialty registrar (StR) position in one of the 13 dental specialties recognised by the General Dental Council. The potential financial implications of specialist training are outlined, along with information on dental foundation training, MFDS and MJDF examinations and postgraduate degrees. The importance of gaining experience in clinical governance and research is outlined. Advice regarding the application process and interview technique is also included. It is the authors' intention that, having read this paper, recent dental graduates will have increased knowledge of the various career paths that lead to specialisation and those interested in specialising will have improved knowledge of how to begin their journey.