As the 2025/26 academic year draws to a close, Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) is proud to recognise the contribution of this year’s postgraduate dental trainees across Dental Foundation Training (DFT), Joint Dental Foundation Core Training (JDFCT), and Dental Therapist Foundation Training (DTFT). 

Over the past year, trainees have played an important role in supporting patient care while developing their clinical skills, confidence, and professional practice within a supervised primary care environment. Their commitment has contributed to both service delivery and the continued development of high-quality NHS dental care across the region. 

 

Dental Foundation Training (DFT)  

This year’s Dental Foundation Training (DFT) placement has supported a newly qualified dentist, Aida Alfares, in taking the first step into independent practice. Through hands-on patient care, structured teaching, and guidance from an Educational Supervisor, Aida has developed essential clinical and professional skills required for a career in primary care dentistry.  

Aida Alfares, Dental Foundation Trainee, said:
“This year has been an incredibly valuable transition from university into clinical practice. Working within PDSE has given me the confidence to manage a wide range of patients and cases, while always having the support of my Educational Supervisor and the wider team. I feel much better prepared to move forward into independent practice and continue developing my skills.“ 

Ann Duro, PDSE Dentist and Aida’s Educational Supervisor, added:
“It’s been a pleasure supporting our foundation dentist over the past year. Watching their confidence and clinical ability grow has been rewarding, and they have made a meaningful contribution to patient care. DFT is such a critical stage in a dentist’s career, and this year’s trainee has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop.” 

 

Therapist Foundation Training (Therapist DFT) 

The Dental Therapist Foundation Training programme has supported the transition of newly qualified dental therapist Tatiana Topor into professional practice, with a strong focus on preventative care, patient management, and working as part of the wider dental team. 

Tatiana Topor, Dental Therapist Foundation Trainee, said:
“This year has been a fantastic opportunity to consolidate my skills and grow in confidence as a dental therapist. Working as part of a supportive team at PDSE has really highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering patient care. I feel well prepared to continue my career and take on new challenges.” 

Alexandra Ward, PDSE Dental Therapist and Tatiana’s Educational Supervisor, added:
“Our therapist trainee has made excellent progress over the course of the year. They have developed strong clinical and communication skills and have become a valued member of the dental team. Programmes like Therapist DFT play a key role in supporting therapists as they transition into practice.” 

 

Joint Dental Foundation Core Training (JDFCT)  

PDSE’s most recent Joint Dental Foundation Core Training (JDFCT) placement is now coming to an end, marking the completion of a two-year programme for Ellie Orum. JDFCT is a longitudinal training pathway that combines primary, community and oral surgery placements over three 8-month rotations.  

This structure provides trainees with a broader clinical experience and is designed to support the development of more advanced clinical skills and a deeper understanding of the wider healthcare system.  

Ellie Orum, Joint Dental Foundation Core Trainee, said:
“The variety within the JDFCT programme has been one of its biggest strengths. Being able to experience both general practice and more specialised settings has helped me build a well-rounded skillset and a better understanding of patient pathways. My time at PDSE has been instrumental in shaping my clinical approach and career direction.” 

Ayisha Davies-House, PDSE Specialist in Oral Surgery and Ellie’s Educational Supervisor added:
“The JDFCT programme enables trainees to gain a breadth of experience that is invaluable early in their careers. It allows them to get a taste of what they do and don’t enjoy within Dentistry and helps guide them into a fulfilling career. Our trainees have demonstrated great care and professionalism towards their patients and colleagues and have all developed a passion for Oral Surgery whilst completing their placement within PDSE. This will translate into dentists who are confident in practicing Oral Surgery in the future, which is so often an area feared by graduates on leaving dental school.  

 

Across all three programmes, this year’s trainees have demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong commitment to patient care. Their contributions have not only supported services but also enriched the learning environment within PDSE practices. 

Reflecting PDSE’s commitment to learning, development and workforce sustainability, we are delighted that two of this year’s postgraduate trainees will be continuing their careers with PDSE as qualified clinicians. Their decision to remain with the organisation highlights the value of the training experience provided and demonstrates how investing in the development of our people helps to build a skilled, confident workforce for the future. 

These postgraduate training posts would not be possible without the support of our nursing, administrative and decontamination teams who ensure that the trainees have the support required to successfully complete their programmes. PDSE is very grateful for their hard work, dedication and contribution to creating a positive learning environment. 

As our trainees move on to the next stage of their careers, PDSE wishes them every success and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make within dentistry and the wider NHS. We are particularly pleased to be welcoming two of them into substantive clinical roles within PDSE and supporting the next stage of their professional journey. 

Find out more about training and development opportunities at PDSE here.