An investigation of the clinical experiences of dentists within the national dental foundation training programme in the North West of England.

Objective To investigate the clinical experiences of foundation dentists (FDs) in the North West of England.Methods Three research methods were used: a questionnaire completed by FDs at the end of their training; an analysis of the clinical logs of experience recorded in the educational portfolios; and analysis of NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) activity data for the 12 month period of training of FDs.Results A response rate of 100% (N = 50) was achieved for the questionnaire and complete data for 49 of the 50 FDs was available from the NHSBSA and clinical logs in the educational portfolios.Discussion Trainees were satisfied with the clinical experience and believed their workload and patient mix provided a broad experience of clinical conditions, although 40% felt there were gaps in their clinical experience. There were wide ranges in the number of individual clinical procedures performed by FDs with some providing very few endodontic treatments, crowns, bridges, metal dentures and fissure sealants. There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.0005) in self- reporting of procedures recorded in the portfolio log when compared to the NHSBSA data.Conclusion The results from this study suggest that there is satisfaction amongst FDs with FT, but there is wide range in the level of clinical experience amongst FDs with some gaps which need to be addressed. In order to provide a consistent, cost effective approach to the delivery of FT changes are required to ensure minimum levels of clinical procedures are achieved during FT. The information collected in the training portfolio must be robust in order to make valid judgements on progress.