Balneeta Bhamra explains why she believes it could be beneficial for foundation training in dentistry to last two years.
When I first started foundation training, I was excited, nervous, and full of questions. Would I be confident enough? Would patients trust me? Would I be able to handle the pressure of real-life dentistry? After years of dental school, it suddenly felt like I was stepping into the deep end, unsure whether I’d sink or swim.
Now, as I reflect on the past year, I can genuinely say that it’s been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. Foundation Training has given me far more than just clinical experience, it’s helped me grow as a clinician, a team member, and an individual. It’s taught me about communication, resilience, responsibility, and the immense value of reflection.
Learning on the job
From day one, the learning curve was steep. Every patient presented a new scenario, and I was constantly adapting whether it was explaining treatment plans clearly, navigating difficult conversations, or learning how to manage anxiety (both theirs and mine). These were lessons I could never have fully grasped in a lecture hall.
There were moments of self-doubt, especially in the early weeks. But I was lucky to be surrounded by a supportive team of nurses, supervisors, and peers who offered encouragement and honest feedback. Their guidance helped me stay grounded during difficult days, and their reassurance helped me keep going when I felt unsure.
I began to see progress in small, significant ways. I was completing procedures more efficiently, handling unexpected situations with more composure, and connecting better with patients. The transformation wasn’t instant, but it was consistent and incredibly empowering.
The fast pace of foundation year
One thing I’ve realised is just how much we’re expected to learn in a short space of time. From handling busy clinics to managing complex treatments and navigating NHS systems, it’s a lot to take in over just 12 months.
The volume and variety of work is intense. You’re constantly juggling clinical duties with audits, assessments, and CPD requirements. And on top of that, you’re adjusting to a full-time working schedule for the first time. It’s a big leap from university life, and there’s not much room to pause. Still, this pace forces growth. You learn to manage your time better, to prioritise tasks, and to think on your feet.
It’s exhausting at times, but also incredibly motivating. There’s something rewarding about seeing your own progress in real time. While I feel proud of how far I’ve come, I can’t help but wonder: how much more confident and competent could we become if we had just a little more time?
Why I believe foundation training could be two years
I don’t say this to criticise the current system. I say it because I’ve had such a positive experience that I would have valued more of it. An additional year could allow newly qualified dentists to:
- See a wider range of cases with less pressure
- Spend more time developing specific skills, whether clinical (like endodontics or oral surgery) or interpersonal (like communication and patient management)
- Build resilience and confidence gradually, with time to reflect, grow and consolidate.
It would also give us more time to find our rhythm, not just clinically, but emotionally. Dentistry is a demanding profession, and a slower, more supported transition could make a lasting difference to our wellbeing and professional longevity. From a patient perspective, having a more confident and well-prepared clinician can only be a good thing.
The benefits of extending Foundation Training aren’t just about improving our experience, it’s also about delivering better care and reducing stress-related burnout early in our careers. We often talk about supporting new graduates, but time is the one thing we don’t seem to offer enough of. If foundation training were two years, I believe it would create more competent, confident, and compassionate dentists who are better equipped to handle the complexities of modern practice.
Stepping into the unknown
Now that my foundation year is coming to an end, I find myself facing a new kind of uncertainty trying to figure out what comes next. I’m in the midst of applying for jobs, attending interviews, and considering whether to pursue Dental Core Training (DCT) or move into general practice.
There are so many directions to go in NHS or private, corporate or independent, fast-paced practice or one with more mentoring and support. Each path offers something different, and it can be hard to know what you really want when you’re still finding your feet. Interviews have become learning opportunities in their own right.
They’ve made me think about what kind of environment I thrive in, what kind of mentorship I value, and how I want to grow in the next stage of my career. It’s not just about whether I get offered the job, it’s also about whether I can see myself developing there. It’s a bit daunting, but I’ve found some reassurance in the uncertainty. This year has shown me that I’m capable of adapting, of asking for help, and of navigating new challenges. So while I don’t have all the answers yet, I feel more prepared than I did a year ago and that’s a win in itself.
Looking ahead
I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had this year. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined, both professionally and personally. I’ve had moments of doubt and frustration, but also many moments of pride, laughter and connection with patients, colleagues, and myself.
Foundation training has shaped my understanding of what kind of dentist I want to be: one who listens, who cares, and who never stops learning. If I could change one thing, it wouldn’t be the pressure or the workload. It would simply be the time. Because when something is this impactful, this valuable, one year never feels like quite enough.
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