Letters to the Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered several features in the practice of dentistry globally, including dental education. Most UK-based dental schools have been closed for at least 6 months and will be operating at a lower capacity once they re-open. Dental schools have been working diligently to establish protocols to ensure that the dental team and patients are in a safe environment. This includes wearing robust PPE, limiting the number of attending patients and one-way walking systems. Students will also be fit-tested for masks before performing aerosol producing procedures. Furthermore, there is likely to be an increase in simulation teaching, such as phantom head work and using virtual reality technology.

In June, it was announced that, in light of COVID-19, the dental foundation training (DFT) application process would be altered. Whilst previously the ranking for DFT placements was based on face-to-face assessment centre interviews and a situational judgement test (SJT), it will now be based solely on the SJT in order to reduce social contact during interviews. Naturally, applicants are under an increased amount of pressure, given that they will no longer have an interview to support their application or an outlet to present their personalities and enthusiasm to potential trainers.