The transition from dental school to postgraduate dental foundation training: strengthening the interaction between stakeholders.

ABSTRACT

This article demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between dental educators in undergraduate and postgraduate settings, to facilitate the transition of dental students into dental foundation training (DFT). The School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University and Health Education England, working across north-east and north Cumbria, have strengthened links by forming a dental foundation programme undergraduate liaison group (FPUG) involving all stakeholders. The group has shared information between the organisations, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and developed several initiatives including workshops to help prepare final year students for the transition to DFT. A small investment in time has been highly effective, and the formation of a similar group merits consideration in other areas of the UK.