Blog
Inside Clyde Munro’s Best Foot Forward Programme for newly graduated Dentists
Blog
Inside Clyde Munro’s Best Foot Forward Programme for newly graduated Dentists
Blog
31 May, 2024

The jump from university into a practice environment can be daunting for dental students, but having the right support will make a significant difference to their learning experience. This is about more than simply being exposed to the dental system, as well as new patients, and new clinical situations.

Clyde Munro is delighted to be able to support newly graduated dentists whilst they complete their Vocational Training (VT) year. This support is packaged into a structured scheme known as the Best Foot Forward programme, which provides dedicated training events and additional support to help clinicians safely and effectively consolidate and advance their skills. It gives them access to topics that help equip them for joining general practice as an associate, as well as allowing them a chance to network with their colleagues.

The most recent programme was very well attended by Clyde Munro VTs and very positive feedback has been received. The VTs clearly found the topics beneficial, really providing them with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available as they join the dental profession.

Dr Lucy Mason recently completed the Best Foot Forward programme with Clyde Munro, and says:

“It was really good to be involved with the programme and to have the opportunity to attend the events that were put on. These enabled me to learn new information and refresh my existing knowledge, which is helpful as a VT because you’re learning new things all the time.

“What I found most beneficial was having access to the highly knowledgeable speakers. We had a nice small group which allowed us to ask questions and learn from their expertise in an informal and productive way. The session about becoming an associate, talking through finances and the self-employed structure was really helpful as I hadn’t received much information on this previously during the VT year.

“Everyone at Clyde Munro was very supportive and there were always new opportunities to participate in. I’m looking forward to utilising the Flying Start Programme next year as I continue developing my confidence. I would encourage other VTs and young graduates to get involved in order to broaden their skills as much as possible.”

In addition to the topics Lucy mentioned, her fellow VTs also found the session on AI (artificial intelligence) technology and the benefits of using this with radiographs and communication with patients extremely helpful. This topic also showcased Clyde Munro’s investment in innovation and newly qualified dentists, with cutting-edge technology made available to all clinicians in practice.

Nicola Logan, Chief People Officer for Clyde Munro, added:

“The Best Foot Forward programme has been a great success and working with our newly qualified dentists is something that is so important to the group. We want to support the future of dentistry in Scotland and we are keen to listen and improve the programme year on year. This means developing our training within digital technology and promoting the importance of wellbeing for our newly qualified dentists. We are invested in improving the support we provide to clinicians. There is a lot of pressure put on this generation and we need to make sure, as a leader within Scottish dentistry, that we have the right mechanisms in place to help and support our dentists when they need it.”

In November 2024, we will welcome the third cohort of VT dentists joining Clyde Munro’s best Foot Forward programme. It will consist of three educational and networking sessions over the course of the year. This includes training on digital workflows, AI technology and digital 3D printing; insight into the financials of being a self-employed associate; diary management; working with a dental therapist; and an invite to ClydeFest our very own internal group event to celebrate our newly qualified dentists. This is a dedicated networking event with a mixture of VTs from both within and outside of the Clyde Munro group.

We hope by providing this support, we can encourage many of our VT dentists to join the group and begin their career with us. Perhaps even joining us on our second internal programme; the Flying Start programme for early career dentists!

Ultimately, the Best Foot Forward programmes provides newly qualified dentists with an insight into the opportunities and investments they can take advantage of to further their career development. For more details, contact the team today.

To learn more about this programme, visit careers.clydemunrodental.com/best-foot-forward-programme/

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