During the Foundation Training year there will be many opportunities for problems to arise.  These may range from the ‘crowns that never fit’ to the ‘Dental Nurse who never seems to do what is needed’.  During your Foundation Training year, you have available a wealth of expertise and experience to draw upon to help you to solve your problems.

In your Practice the main source of assistance in problem solving is, of course, your Educational Supervisor.  During normal working hours you can approach your ES for assistance, or alternatively during a tutorial you can bring up a matter that is causing concern. 
Sometimes the speaker at the Study Day will be the expert able to answer the difficult question.  You are recommended to bring along to the study days clinical problems that may need to be shared.

Your Training Programme Director is also always available for help on a whole range of clinical, professional or personal problems.  This does not have to wait until a Study Day meeting; a telephone call to the TPD’s practice or home may allow early resolution of a problem and help prevent a great deal of worry.

The Foundation Training Scheme is also a powerful force for resolution of problems.  Opportunities for group discussion occur in nearly every session of the Study Day.  Sharing difficulties, problems or concerns with the other members of the group often brings to light examples of the same problem that have been experienced by others, and answers can often be found and discussed.  Naturally openness and frankness is usually required, but all members of the group will respect the normal rule of confidentiality outside the sessions.

Sometimes problems occur that seem overwhelming and you do not wish to discuss with the group. Your Training Programme Director is someone who is impartial and has experience in many areas of professional life. Your TPD also has resources available that may be able to provide support or advice beyond those normally found in general practice. Moving in to a new environment, away from the stability and familiarity of Dental School can be overwhelming but support will always be there for you.