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Career Pathway and Qualifications |
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Most dental graduates complete a year of vocational training (VT) or 2 years’ of general professional training (GPT) which can lead on to becoming a SHO. Before you set of on a specialist training pathway you will need to obtain the MFDS (at least Part A) qualification.
Undergraduate medical qualification can be undertaken in any of 24 Medical Schools across the country. Places for dental graduates are usually limited. Some offer shortened courses are offered – anything from 3 – 5 years, applications are often considered on individual merit.
Dental graduates have been give a dispensation to sit the first part MRCS / AFRCS during their medical pre-registration year and providing one of the premedical SHO posts in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has recognition for both the MRCS / AFRCS as well as MFDS, the trainee is then required to spend a minimum of twelve months in surgical posts of their choice before sitting part II MRCS /AFRCS.
It is now mandatory to obtain the MFDS and MRCS / AFRCS before a CCST in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is granted.
The period of higher training begins on appointment to a Specialist Registrar (SpR) post. Higher training is regarded as a continuum with progression through years 1 – 5. This period includes a flexible period when additional training may be carried out, such as research, sub-specialty experience or study for higher degrees.
Upon successful completion of training, trainees will be recommended to the Joint Committees for the award of a CCST. Once obtained trainees can compete for an appointment to a consultant post.
Academic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Those aspiring to a career in academic research in this field are not required to hold a registerable medical qualification, but would have to gain a Doctorate Degree (PhD or similar) by research and demonstrate an ability to publish in scientific journals. The clinical SpR training on this pathway is equivalent to the training for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with the exception that trainees would not be expected to undertake the surgical management of patients with malignant neoplastic disease.
Is it for me? The decision to pursue a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can have many implications, and is not a decision to be taken lightly. Serious consideration must be given to the financial and practical implications of undertaking a second degree course and specialist training, which takes a minimum period of 10 years.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is an exciting and challenging specialty. The lifestyle for consultants and specialist registrars is favourable compared with other surgical specialties and there is opportunity for private work.
To find out more about working in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery you can: ¨ Speak to the SHO’s, SpR’s and consultants at your Hospital ¨ Arrange a clinical attachment or elective at your local unit
MFDS – Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery MRCS – Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons CCST - Completion of Specialist Training
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Before deciding to embark on a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery get some experience by working as a SHO in this field. Every General Hospital, General Hospital has this specialty, as do the majority of Specialist Hospitals, therefore making an abundance of jobs in this field. |
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Typical Training Pathway
5 years BDS ò 2 years GPT ò 3 -5 years MBBS ò 1 year PRHO ò 1 year SHO ò 5 years SpR |