Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University College Cork, Ireland.
Eur J Dent Educ. 2010 May;14(2):118-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0579.2009.00604.x.
Vocational training (VT) is a mandatory 12 month period for UK dental graduates after graduation. Graduates of Irish Dental Schools are eligible to enter the general dental service in Ireland or obtain an NHS performers list number in the UK immediately after qualification. Reports would suggest that some graduates of Irish Dental Schools are choosing to take part in VT in the UK and find the experience beneficial. This study aimed to record the uptake of VT amongst recent graduates from University College Cork and to document their experiences. It was designed to compare the attitudes and experiences of graduates of Irish Dental Schools who undertook VT compared with those who entered the general dental service.
A self-completion questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to dental graduates from University College Cork who had graduated 2001-2007. Responses were returned by e-mail or post.
The response rate was 68.9%. There has been an increase in the numbers of graduates taking part in VT each year since 2004. 92.5% of Vocational Dental Practitioners (VDPs) found their experience beneficial as they received a guaranteed source of income, had a supportive peer network and worked in a positive learning environment. However, some felt that they earned a lower income than their associate colleagues, others found the pace of practice slow and that the duration of the training period was excessive. Eighty-five per cent of VDPs would choose the same position again after graduation as compared with 61.8% of associates (P < 0.001). Ninety per cent of VDPs would advise current undergraduates to take part in VT as compared with 51% of associates (P < 0.001). A larger proportion of VDPs had taken part in postgraduate studies but there was no significant difference between the two groups.
Larger proportions of recent graduates are undertaking vocational training.--The majority of VDPs and associates find their initial employment position beneficial.--VDPs benefit from a guaranteed source of income, a supportive peer network and a positive learning environment.--Some associates suffered from a lack of support, feeling isolated and overwhelmed with patients.--The majority of previous VDPs and associates would recommend VT to current undergraduates.--Almost 40% of associates would now choose to take part in VT if given the opportunity.
在英国，牙科专业毕业生毕业后需要接受为期 12 个月的职业培训（VT）。爱尔兰牙科学校的毕业生在毕业后有资格立即在爱尔兰进入普通牙科服务或在英国获得国民保健服务表演者名单号码。有报道称，一些爱尔兰牙科学校的毕业生选择在英国参加 VT，并发现这一经历有益。本研究旨在记录科克大学学院最近毕业生参加 VT 的情况，并记录他们的经验。它旨在比较参加 VT 的爱尔兰牙科学校毕业生与进入普通牙科服务的毕业生的态度和经验。
通过电子邮件向科克大学学院的牙科毕业生分发了一份自我完成的问卷，这些毕业生于 2001-2007 年毕业。通过电子邮件或邮寄方式返回回复。
回复率为 68.9%。自 2004 年以来，每年参加 VT 的毕业生人数有所增加。92.5%的职业牙科医生（VDP）认为他们的经验有益，因为他们获得了有保障的收入来源，拥有支持性的同行网络，并在积极的学习环境中工作。然而，一些人认为他们的收入低于同事，其他人则发现实践节奏缓慢，培训期过长。85%的 VDP 会在毕业后再次选择相同的职位，而 61.8%的同事则不会（P<0.001）。90%的 VDP 会建议当前的本科生参加 VT，而只有 51%的同事会建议（P<0.001）。更多的 VDP 参加了研究生学习，但两组之间没有显著差异。
最近越来越多的毕业生正在接受职业培训。--大多数 VDP 和同事认为他们的初始就业职位有益。--VDP 受益于有保障的收入来源、支持性的同行网络和积极的学习环境。--一些同事因缺乏支持而感到孤立和不知所措。--大多数以前的 VDP 和同事会向当前的本科生推荐 VT。--如果有机会，近 40%的同事现在会选择参加 VT。
