The Educational Supervisors: Helen Kefford: Helen qualified in 1998 and was a VDP on the Bedford scheme so she has first hand understanding of the whole experience. She has complete the MFGDP and Post-Graduate Certificate in Dental Education qualifications. Helen's particular interest is adhesive dentistry and she has benefited from working on a restorative PDS scheme. Outside of work she enjoys family life, music, reading and going to the gym.
I found my year of training very rewarding and my subsequent training experiences have been fruitful. I look forward to supporting and nurturing newly qualified dentists to help then achieve those first steps in their career.
The Practice: Sandy is easily accessible from the A1 and the railway station that connects to Peterborough and Kings Cross, is within 10 minutes walk. The practice is situated on the Market Square in the heart of the town.
The practice building was originally a school and then, more recently, a bank. The principal, Uday Patel took over the premises and established the dental practice in 1991. With a strong focus on patient care, the practice holds the Silver BDA Good Practice Award, and won Dental Protection's 'Dental Practice of the Year' award. The friendly and welcoming team comprises of seven dentists, eight nurses, a receptionist, and two practice managers. The team are experienced in working with FDs and will help you make the transition into practice.
The five modern, well-equipped surgeries are air-conditioned, fully computerised using the Exact software system, and have individual intra-oral digital x-ray units. There is a separate central decontamination room. We offer a comprehensive range of NHS and Private treatments for all age groups of patients. The FD1 working hours are 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday with one full day off each month.
The practice is particularly suited to someone who is motivated and enthusiastic about providing dental treatment to a high standard within the general practice setting. We are looking for an FD who wants to learn and develop but who will also enjoy being part of the team and the foundation training year.
The Area: Home of the RSPB headquarters, Sandy is a countryside town, but its proximity to the A1 makes commuting convenient and places the town within easy reach of Cambridge, Peterborough and Bedford.
Other Points of Interest: The practice has a sister practice in Bedford and the staff combine for clinical audit meetings, peer review meetings, staff training and social events. Sandy and its many surrounding towns and villages have many properties available for rental or purchase, including older style houses and many newer modern estates. The practice owner, Uday Patel has been involved with vocational training for many years and is currently the Advisor for the Peterborough scheme. Three previous FDs are still working at the practice.
