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Paediatric dentistry is a high-profile specialty for trainees seeking both a challenge and the opportunity to “make a difference”


RECENT REPORT on child health published by the Audit Commission highlighted the fact that 53 per cent of children living in deprived areas of England have poor dental health as measured by


levels of decay in comparison to 18 per cent of those in more affluent areas. The most recent survey of decay levels in school children in Scotland found that 36 per cent of children in primary 1 had dental caries, however for those living in the most deprived areas this rises to 54 per cent. It’s a gap that has widened alarmingly over the last few years and one that health and social care services across the UK have pledged to address. Among the professionals at the frontline


of this challenge are specialists in paediatric dentistry. It is a fascinating specialty that encapsulates practice, teaching and research in comprehensive therapeutic oral healthcare for children from birth through adolescence, including care for those who demonstrate intellectual, medical, physical, psychological and emotional problems. As evidenced in reports from NHS careers, the number of trainees and consultants in the specialty has enlarged considerably over the last 15 years and continues to grow.


Wide ranging Paediatric dentistry is unlike any other dental


specialty in that it covers all aspects of oral healthcare for children from restorative care to minor oral surgical procedures to interceptive orthodontics. Paediatric dentists often work closely with paediatricians, surgeons and anaesthetists as part of a team in the overall care of children with complex medical problems. They also work with other agencies such as health visitors and social workers in managing vulnerable children. Among the variety of different roles carried out by specialists in paediatric dentistry are:


• providing a full range of oral healthcare to anxious children and those with special needs


• specialised management of children with oral and dental developmental problems


• managing the damage sustained to teeth and the mouth following traumatic injury


• contributing to multidisciplinary care of children with complex problems, e.g. cleft lip and palate, hypodontia and those with medical conditions which oral health may have an impact on.


Necessary skills A range of skills and attributes are required to be successful in paediatric dentistry. First and


foremost, you must obviously enjoy working with children and be able to effectively communicate with them. The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) also lists:


• Excellent evidence-based clinical skills.


•A broad understanding of dentistry as a whole, with a willingness to develop specialised knowledge.


• Good interpersonal communication skills with parents or guardians, other members of the dental team as well as with children and adolescents.


• Willingness to be a team-player who is able to both follow guidance and lead the dental team.


•A keen interest in continuing your own personal career development.


Training To be recognised as a specialist in paediatric dentistry in the UK you must be registered on a specialist list held by the General Dental Council. This requires a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in paediatric dentistry which can be achieved by applying for a specialty registrar training post on a recognised paediatric dentistry training programme. Posts are available in the hospital dental service as well as with a number of programmes linked with the salaried dental service. There is also the opportunity to apply for an academic clinical fellowship programme which provides both a clinical and academic training environment designed to provide support for individuals who have potential for development as a researcher. To get onto a specialty programme you will


need to demonstrate broad experience in general dentistry including hospital, community and general dental practice. A two-year foundation training programme or an equivalent scheme would give the desired range of experience. In addition, a maxillo-facial post is highly desirableas is some additional experience of treating children. To make your CV more attractive it would


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