Martyn welcomed lots of young dentists to the event, and introduced YDA: Martyn Amsel, Nazia Alyas and Katharine Cordoner, who all spoke about their journey in general practice and why they set up YDA.
They recognized that young dentists have far less experience at undergraduate and at Foundation Training level than they ever have had before. That lots of young dentists were feeling too scared to take on more complex work in case of complaints and litigation. To increase their confidence, they attend courses that are often too advanced for their level of dentistry, leaving them more disgruntled and isolated.
A few dentists spoke about how they had just done exactly that and felt that despite starting a formal university post graduate course, they were looking for a course that could enable them to practice dentistry relevant to general practice. Hence were really excited to attend and learn about the YDA course; Confidence, Competence and Contentment in GDP.
The evening progressed with Paul Mandon Gassman presenting ‘Top tips for predictable preps’. This was thoroughly entertaining and gave some valuable practical tips to reduce time, stress and errors in tooth preps and cementation.
Martyn presented the next lecture and talked through an implant case that he had recently completed. Some of the young dentists had never seen an implant being placed before and really enjoyed seeing step by step slides from implant surgery and planning to the final restoration phase.
Shiraz Khan, a young dentist who has signed up to the course, described to the group why he joined YDA. “I think this is a fantastic initiative to increase scope and awareness among my young dental colleagues. I am particularly interested in hands-on dentistry as I want to be able to progress to fulfill my aspirations for the future.” It was really interesting to hear the point of view of a young dentist as to how YDA could help him progress in his career.
Lots of time was spent with a YDA social at the end where everybody had some drinks and nibbles and talked about the evening and the YDA course. Feedback was excellent – all the dentists that attended felt that the course would enable them to learn relevant skills to general practice and were really looking forward to being part of being the YDA community.
The YDA course is starting March 2015. More details can be found at:
http://youngdentistacademy.co.uk