The objectives of Vocational Training for the newly qualified dentist are to enable the graduate to work efficiently under reducing supervision: to acquire the necessary skills, both financial, managerial and personal to run a general dental practice and to work effectively with other members of the dental team.

Trainees work as assistants in training practices which have been inspected and approved for the purpose. They work under the supervision of the trainers who are principals of the training practice and who have been selected and trained for the task.

As well as the day-to-day supervision and guidance from the trainer, trainees participate in formal education equivalent to 30 days and distributed evenly throughout the year. The educational input for the Vocational Training is derived from teachers and trainers who are selected by the course organiser.

At the end of the Vocational Training year, as a result of working within a sheltered environment and continuing education at a day release course, trainers should be better able:

• to provide, with confidence, a full range of treatment and care to patients.

• to undertake the management skills necessary for the practice of dentistry.

• to communicate effectively with patients, their families and professional colleagues.

• to understand the organisation of the National Health Service.

• to be self-critical and be conscious of the responsibility to apply new knowledge.

• to understand that professional training and education should be a continuing process.