Dentistry

Abstract

Development of the Role of Dental Core Trainee Representative and Representative Network in the Midlands and East of England

Dr Maha Aljefri

Introduction: A project was initiated by the deanery for dental core trainee regional representatives to develop the representative
role and network across the East and West Midlands and the East of England. Prior to this initiative, the methods
for obtaining feedback from trainees varied across training posts in the three regions, with ambiguity regarding the
pathway for escalating trainee matters.
Aims: Development of the trainee representative network across three regions for voicing trainee concerns, improving the
quality of feedback received and implementing changes to enhance trainee experiences.
Methods: A framework was developed by the three regional representatives in 2019 focusing on early appointment of
representatives and specifying a timeline for feedback submission. To gather high quality feedback, standardised
forms were constructed to be completed twice yearly by trainees. The distribution and volume of received feedback
was audited prior to, and after development of the framework to measure its success and implement necessary
adjustments. This framework lead to an increase in feedback response rates from 38.9% to 89.9% from 2019 to 2020
across 18 hospitals in three regions.
Conclusion: This pathway is designed for escalation of trainee concerns with representatives acting as sensible, informed and
supportive peers to those who may be having issues during training. It promotes communication at an early stage
of training and fosters positive relationships between trainees, supervisors, programme directors and the deanery.
Most importantly, it reveals excellent response rates and displays how an effective trainee representative model can
be used to improve training experiences.

Published Date: 2021-07-19;