title: Evaluation of vocational training of dentists in three different regions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To carry out an in depth evaluation of the vocational training year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative structured focus groups and interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three regional vocational training schemes in the south of England.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each scheme provided a group of six vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) who met with researchers at three points in the training year. Additionally one of the researchers interviewed advisers and trainers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  and recommendations Possible improvements were identified in the appointment process, induction, tutorials, assessment of clinical knowledge, technical skill, social and communication skills and development of the skills of reflective practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The vocational training year is a very good learning experience, which could be further enhanced to make it excellent.
authors.affiliation: Westminster Institute of Education, Oxford Brookes University, Harcourt Hill Campus, Oxford, OX2 9AT, UK. raclow@brookes.ac.uk
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Clow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehra
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D004739:England; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000592:standards*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017145:Models, Educational; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D013222:State Medicine