The BDA has said the number of UK dental graduates still waiting for an allocation of training places is ‘not acceptable’.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has responded to the UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors (COPDEND)’s long-awaited publication of the number of UK graduates still waiting for second round allocation for dental foundation training (DFT) places.
While 968 graduates have confirmed places, the report reveals that 76 UK graduates are still on the waiting list.
‘Seventy-six graduates now face the terrible uncertainty on whether they will be able to begin a career in NHS dentistry,’ said Judith Husband, chair of the BDA’s education, ethics and the dental team working group.
‘To be clear that’s 76 too many.
‘Each of them will be trying to focus on finals and this added pressure is a damaging and wholly unnecessary distraction.
‘The future of Britain’s oral health depends on the next generation,’ Judith continued.
‘These graduates deserve certainty and investment, not another nerve-wracking wait.’
‘It is not acceptable for the Department of Health to have another go at balancing the books off the backs of these young dentists.’
Graduates saw 2014 as a landmark year, with the Government providing sufficient training places for all eligible UK graduates, and u-turning on plans for a blanket £2,000 pay cut.
