03/03/2026
Taking the leap from University or Foundation Training into a Core Training post is a whirlwind. It’s a year of steeper learning curves, on-call bleeps, and leveling up your clinical game in ways you didn’t think possible.
To my fellow dental students and those considering the DCT route, here are 7 things I’ve learned (so far) that I wish I’d known sooner:
• Master the “Systematic” Referral: Whether you’re calling MaxFax or Ortho, be concise. Use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format—it saves time and earns respect.
• The Bleep is Not Your Enemy: On-calls can be daunting, but they are where you grow the most. Take a breath, prioritize by urgency, and never be afraid to ask your registrar for a second opinion.
• Log Everything (Daily!): Don’t wait until the end of the month to update your portfolio. Log your surgical extractions, incise and drains, and complex cases as they happen.
• Get Comfortable with Medical Complexity: In DCT, you aren’t just looking at teeth; you’re managing patients with complex medical histories. Brush up on your pharmacology and systemic disease links.
• Build Your Tribe: Your fellow DCTs are your support system. They are the ones who will understand the 2 AM trauma call or the stress of a difficult extraction. Lean on each other.
• Seek Out the “Scary” Cases: Don’t shy away from the procedures that make you nervous. This is your year to perform under the guidance of consultants. Use that safety net while you have it!
• Self-Care is Clinical Care: You can’t provide the best treatment if you’re burnt out. Protect your downtime and remember that it’s okay to still be learning.
It’s a tough year, but the growth is unmatched. Who else is currently in the DCT trenches?
