How Clyde Munro is easing the transition from dental school to practice 

Making the transition from dental school to practice can be challenging. As Stuart Collier, who qualified in 2022, points out: “At university, you’re not really used to seeing as many patients throughout the day and there are much longer appointment times. In NHS practices, things are done a lot quicker. In addition, there is extra pressure on you – I am now very aware patients are paying for my services so I really want to do a good job for them!”

Stuart completed his Vocational Training (VT) year under the supervision of Alloway Place Dental Care in Ayr, part of leading Scottish dental group, Clyde Munro. He has utilised Clyde Munro’s Best Foot Forward programme as a way of accessing support specifically tailored to newly qualified dentists in their vocational training year. It consists of multiple educational sessions to support Clyde Munro VT dentists. 

The support Stuart received was invaluable. Aside from the networking opportunities available with fellow VTs, it also enables individuals to meet with other, more experienced dentists. The first part of the programme explained how the NHS SDR payments system works in Scotland together with an introduction to implementing digital dentistry into their practice. Digital dentistry is an area that is ever growing throughout the profession, and something Clyde Munro are heavily investing in.  

Stuart commented: “The programme bridges the gap between studying at university and working in practice. It offers training on topics that aren’t taught in the undergraduate curriculum, for example, I didn’t know how the payment system worked and I’d not used an intraoral scanner. The digital dentistry aspect was particularly interesting for me. Almost all Clyde Munro practices have digital 3D intraoral scanners and following the training I’ve received I now use it for various aspects of the day-to-day job. The training is very good in this respect.”

Stuart is looking forward to future learning opportunities at surgical training days and further updates on the NHS payment system in light of the changes implemented in Scotland as of November 2023.

His advice for recently qualified colleagues is to be bold. “Just get stuck in!” he says. “Don’t be afraid to try things. You have the safety net of a salary and a team around you to help. Don’t rush, build your skills. Make the most of the courses available and network – dentistry is a small world and the more people you know the better.”

Having studied at University of Glasgow, Stuart returned to his hometown of Ayr to join Clyde Munro following a personal recommendation. He believes he’s made a good decision, adding: “The Best Foot Forward and Flying Start programmes [a career development programme for dentists who have qualified in the last five years] that are only offered for Clyde Munro dentists are great, and are only going to get better. Clyde Munro is very supportive of young, newly qualified dentists by offering the added training sessions which help grow and develop your skills.”

For further information about Clyde Munro and the career opportunities available, contact joinus@clydemunrodental.com

No matter how long you have worked in dentistry, where you studied, how you have developed your skills or what your future ambitions are, it is essential to ensure your own wellbeing throughout your career. Where you chose to live will have an impact on your happiness and quality of life. In particular, it is important for your home environment to meet your social, physical and mental needs, which in turn will influence your health and wellbeing at any stage of life. 

For many people, living in Scotland affords all manner of benefits, making this a fantastic place for dental professionals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs and aspirations. If you’re looking for a change, or ready for the next phase of your career, Scotland could provide the answers you need. There’s also the benefit of excellent healthcare and education, as well as a potentially lower cost of living compared to other parts of the UK. 

An unparalleled landscape

When thoughts turn to Scotland, the immediate image is often one of rolling hills, luscious greenery, mountainous terrain and historic stone buildings. Indeed, the Highlands are a globally-renowned destination for hiking, mountain climbing and wildlife watching, with thousands of people flocking to these stunning open spaces every year to enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, with more than 550 golf courses to choose from, beautifully unspoiled beaches along the coastline and hundreds of islands to visit, the country offers a diverse and charming backdrop to daily life.

Culture and history

The vibrant culture is a major part of life for the Scottish people, who proudly celebrate their heritage through food and drink, festivals and music, and the traditional kilts in the tartan of their families, of course! Few will have visited the country without trying the famous haggis dish or a glass of whisky. As such, Scotland is widely regarded as a friendly and welcoming place to be.

For those with an interest in history, the region boasts the remnants of fascinating tales from Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble clansmen, ruling monarchs and more. World heritage sites include the Antonine Wall, New Lanark cotton mill and the Fourth Forth Bridge, amongst many other landmarks that are well-worth a visit.

Job Opportunities

Despite the challenges experienced worldwide in recent years, the Scottish economy seems to be bouncing back strongly. GDP growth was 4.9% in 2022, higher than the UK average of 4.1%. Among the top industries demonstrating positive growth have been creative markets, energy (especially renewable), food and drink, life sciences, space, and technology and advanced engineering – ensuring diverse job opportunities for all the family to take advantage of!

The dental profession has also been developed significantly, with a 39% increase in high-street dentists between 2007 and 2021. That said, there is still plenty of scope for expansion, which means several opportunities for dentists and dental professionals to make the most of everything that living and working in Scotland can offer. 

Aside from the many advantages of Scottish life, Clyde Munro offers an array of benefits for all members of their practice teams across the country. These include dedicated career development pathways and educational schemes, competitive salaries, paid GDC fees, enhanced family-friendly policies, ‘you days’ (for moving house, getting married etc.), an extensive support network and help developing in your digital dental journey.

Making the move

The decision to relocate is never made lightly and there are various factors to consider very carefully before making the move. However, when the time is right, the change is made for all the right reasons and the necessary support is enlisted, a relocation can afford countless advantages. Scotland has much to offer individuals, couples and families – why not see what’s available to you?

Want to find out more about the career opportunities and vacancies available with Clyde Munro? Get in touch today! joinus@clydemunrodental.com