Exploring the concerns of second-degree dental students on entering specialist OMFS training and their attitudes towards the second-degree curriculum.

Within the UK, oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a competitive specialty with a rigorous training programme that currently requires dual degrees in both medicine and dentistry. Training in OMFS can present various challenges in terms of finances, length of training, and work-life balance. The current study explores the concerns of second-degree dental students in trying to obtain an OMFS specialty training post, as well as their views on the second-degree curriculum. An online survey was distributed via social media to second-degree dental students across the UK and 51 responses were received. Respondents cited a lack of publications (29%), specialty interviews (29%), and the OMFS logbook (29%) as the primary concerns about securing a higher training post. Eighty-eight per cent felt there were elements of repetition within the second degree for which competencies had already been achieved, and 88% agreed with streamlining the curriculum within the second degree. We propose that the second degree should incorporate ways to build the OMFS ST1/ST3 portfolio as part of a tailored curriculum, removing or condensing the repetitive elements, and instead emphasising areas of concern for trainees such as research, operative experience, and interview guidance. Second-degree students should be provided with mentors with an interest in research and academia to provide guidance and promote early interest in academia.