I study Dentistry - Ask me anything (AMA)

Hi there,

I don't know if you're qualified yet or if you're still studying, but I can't seem to find the answer to this question anywhere - when you have qualified, what is the NHS target/limit for UDAs? I understand it is 1000 in your Foundation Training year, but after that, when you are a qualified dentist, what is it?

Reply 221

Kartace

OP

16

Original post by ruby_1113

Hi there,

I don't know if you're qualified yet or if you're still studying, but I can't seem to find the answer to this question anywhere - when you have qualified, what is the NHS target/limit for UDAs? I understand it is 1000 in your Foundation Training year, but after that, when you are a qualified dentist, what is it?

I'm just coming to the end of my DFT year now. For this year the target is 1800 but they don't really care as long as you get to around 1000. After that it really varies. It depends on the size of the NHS contract that the practice that you're working in is. An average full time associate would usually be on around 6000-7000 at an average value of 10-12 pound per UDA. With this in mind, there is huge national variation, some dentists work part NHS/private or only work part time. They may be on a lower value of around 2000-3000 UDAs. The highest I have heard of for a single practitioner is about 15,000 UDAs a year - this blows my mind!!!

As for target/limit, it depends what side of things you're on...if it's April and coming to the end of the UDA year and you're behind your 'target', you may face a clawback for the value of UDAs that you have 'failed' to deliver. However, if you have reached, or exceeded your 'limit' the NHS will not pay you any more for work you complete as you have fulfilled your quota of UDAs.

Hope that's helped...

Reply 222

cmonb123

14

1. Do you know anyone who has gone through the 'graduate' route and how hard do u think it is, excluding costs?
2. How much work experience did u do
3. What are you going to do once completed the degree, surgeon or dentist?
4. Favourite part of dentistry
5. Do u get much back pain aha

Reply 223

sunflower09

11

What were your gcse / a level results?

Reply 224

AlwaysBroke.

17

I'm not sure if I have already said this but are extra-curricular activities super important to applying to such a competitive scene?

What extra-curricular activities would you recommend; for example would boxing be a good example or something along the lines of orienteering?

Reply 225

Kartace

OP

16

Original post by cmonb123

1. Do you know anyone who has gone through the 'graduate' route and how hard do u think it is, excluding costs?
2. How much work experience did u do
3. What are you going to do once completed the degree, surgeon or dentist?
4. Favourite part of dentistry
5. Do u get much back pain aha

1. One of my best mates did, he got in first time with a biology degree from bath (2.1 i believe), it is hugely expensive and he had to work all through university, despite this he still has a massive student, parent and commercial loan debt. Despite all this, he doesn't regret it i know. As for how hard he found it...i don't think he was at any significant advantage/disadvantage to any other student. Dentistry is hard for everyone.

2. I did 6 months (every monday) in NHS general practice, 1 week in paediatric hospital, 1 week in orthodontics, 1 week in an oral surgery unit, 1 day in a dental lab, 1 week in private practice (having interviewed many applicants over the years i would say quality > quantitiy) It's all about what you learned and how you reflect upon your experiences. Remember to link your personal qualities into this.

3. I've graduated but i don't really understand the premise of your question Dentist = Dental Surgeon. There is no distinction in anything other than name. An oral surgeon however is a dentist who has undergone a postgraduate specialty training pathway to become a registered GDC specialist in the area of oral surgery.

4.Favourite seems to change on a daily basis. However, I have a real liking for oral surgery and aesthetic restorative dentistry. I'm also really interested in clinical dental photography and dental education.

5. Luckily not! I'm very tall 6,3". So I am pretty high risk. All i can say is learn good posture habits, stretch regularly, exercise and maintain your core. Practically, you should aim to use a saddle chair to rotate your hips forward and most importantly of all - invest in good quality magnification and illumination!!! The best you can afford. This will lower your stress levels both physically and mentally as well as helping you to see better and produce better work!

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 226

Kartace

OP

16

Original post by sunflower09

What were your gcse / a level results?

They were a long time ago now...but from my memory:

GCSEs: 2A*s, 6As, 2Bs, 1C

A levels
Chemistry A
Biology A*
Music A*
Business A
Welsh Baccalaureate A

Reply 227

EverythingChina

15

Are you gay?
I hate gay people.

Reply 228

Kartace

OP

16

Original post by mc_miah

I'm not sure if I have already said this but are extra-curricular activities super important to applying to such a competitive scene?

What extra-curricular activities would you recommend; for example would boxing be a good example or something along the lines of orienteering?

Anything and everything that you find interesting to be honest. Ideally you will have been doing it for a long time as this shows commitment to improvement and long term goals, which are ideal for dentistry.

Team sports are good as dentistry is a team oriented job role. Evidence of leadership within teams is good too.

Voluntary work is always looked upon favourably as it shows your caring side

Most importantly they just want to see that you do something other than work and get high grades. The fact that you are passionate and interesting will hopefully make you a good communicator and an interesting/memorable applicant who would hopefully make a good dentist,