As a DCT in Rotherham the main responsibilities include:- working in a range of environments including; clinics, theatres and A+E.
- assisting consultants within the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department in tasks ranging from patient assessments, clerking for theatre and carrying out operative procedures.
- carrying out minor oral surgery procedures on patients under local anaesthetic.
- working on call during day or night hours including weekdays and weekends.
- engaging with ongoing learning and development, including taking part in regional study days.
- liaising with other departments within the hospital and in nearby hospitals including Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Mexborough Montagu.

0800: A typical day starts at 8am where we come together as a team of fellow DCTs, consultants and staff grades to discuss the in-patients we currently have under our care within the department.
0815: One of the DCT's will attend the Emergency Theatre meeting where any of our patients who need an emergency procedure will be discussed.
0830: As a group we will attend to any patients we have on the ward and assess any progress/deterioration which has been made over night. If they are waiting for an emergency procedure they will be informed of when they are likely to be taken to theatre.
0900-1700: the rest of the day will be split into a morning and an afternoon session, both lasting 3 hours. Each session will be spent differently day by day but generally will include a variation of the following activities.
1. assessing patients in clinic
2. carrying out procedures such as: extractions, BCC excision, salivary gland surgery or osteotomies
3. working in emergency theatre

Depending on the case the DCT may work alone with a nurse or health care professional, or they may be working alongside the consultant in charge.
Unless you are working on call, the the day will end around 1700. When working on call you are responsible for managing patients who attend A+E.

I enjoy working within a large team. It is possible to learn a lot from different people within the team as they all have different backgrounds and levels of experience not only in terms of OMFS but within the hospital environment and in life in general.

I enjoy taking advantage of the opportunities that have arisen over the course of the year including; teaching possibilities, developing my own skills and independence in the role, as well as working to further my career progression.

There is a steep learning curve when transitioning from Dental Foundation Training to Dental Core Training. For example, learning how to manage patients who have suffered traumatic facial injuries was a relatively new concept to me and having a quick reference guide to hand was very important in the early weeks. This is something that was even more important when working at night as you don't won't to wake up your seniors for something that is trivial to them, but seems urgent to you.

This area of work appealed to me as it provided me with the opportunity to develop my oral surgery skills. It would also give me experience working with a specific group of patients, in an environment which I would not otherwise be exposed to as a dentist.

Oral Surgery skills
Suturing
Communication/Leadership/Professionalism

History of Work: Dental Foundation Training 2019/20.

Additional Qualifications: Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (2021).

I am looking forward to continuing my Dental Core Training with a DCT2 placement in Restorative Dentistry. Upon completion I am hopeful that the knowledge and experience gained from my DCT1 and DCT2 will stand me in good stead should I wish to apply for specialist training or return to primary care. At present I am trying to make the most of the opportunities presented to me to keep my future options open.

I would encourage any dental students to strongly consider Dental Core Training following completion of DFT. There are a number of positions in different locations and within different specialities. Speaking to people who have previously undertaken DCT roles is advisable as experiences can vary from post to post.