PREPARATION

Whilst a lot of my preparation was in the form of workshops run by the dental school, I also did a lot of extra reading and interview practise at home. Here is what I would recommend:

1.  Attend any and all the preparation your university organises for you
This could be lectures, interview practice, seminars or workshops.

2. Register with the BDA

They send out a final year guide every year which is very useful with example scenarios. 

3.  Get in touch with the DDU

They may have been in touch with your society already as they usually run an evening of preparation workshops.

4.  Practise scenarios 

Practise with your friends, partners, colleagues, clinicians, tutors, basically anyone you can get your hands on!

5. Practise situational judgement tests (SJT) 

These can be more difficult than you expect and the SJT is an important part of your assessment, look at some examples and take this practice test.

I think the main advice I would give in regards to SJTs would be to focus on determining which option should be first and which one should be last.
And don't overthink it; you're a DF1 dentist and it's not expected for you to know everything - say you'd ask your trainer if you're not sure but be careful, for simple scenarios they may be a bit worried if you can't think of a solution yourself. 

6. Know everything there is to know about Clinical Governance
Focus on knowing its definition, as well as the definition of audit (see my blog post about audit here) and know the rounds of CPD required to be registered with the GDC as a dentist

7. Finally get to know all about those companies who have been sponsoring your Dentsoc events over the years

BDA - your trade union
Dental Protection, DDU - indemnity providers
MedDen, Wesleyan, Dentist Provident - income protection insurers
IDH, Oasis - dental corporates

8. Read the GDC's bible: their Standards for Dental Professionals 

This is probably the most important document you should take a look at.
These standards were updated last September so make sure you check them out!

For further information see COPDEND's website or check out the Dental Career Guide's website, or check out my post with my Top 10 Hot Topics in Dentistry.


So what do you think, would there be anything else you would advise those preparing for their interview? If so, you are welcome to leave comments below.

Watch out for next weeks post: What To Expect On The Day of Your DF1 Interview