The Educational Supervisors: Chris has 25 years experience in DFT training, whilst Amit is a a new, young and enthusiastic ES. This combination of experience with someone who was in your shoes not too long will be a great advantage for you.
Amit graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2011 and has been in general practice since. He has an MSc in Primary Dental Care and is currently undertaking the Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Education. He has recently taken over the practice from Chris. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys going to the gym and playing sports - mainly football and golf.
Chris has been involved with Foundation Training since 1992, when DFT was voluntary! and he has been involved with Whipps Cross, Basildon and Ipswich Hospital Schemes. He is firmly committed to Dental education both personally, developing his own career, and within Teaching with both undergraduates and postgraduate roles.
He worked for 3 years in the Hospital service in Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery departments.
He has an interest in Medico/Dento-Legal matters and worked for 4 years as a Part time Dentolegal Adviser for the Dental Defence Union.
Outside Dentistry, and never forget there is a wide and varied life out there! His time is occupied with sport(s) both playing and Coaching. He has a home in the French Alps and enjoys all of the foolish pursuits that the mountains offer.
The Practice: The practice has four surgeries. We first opened our doors in 1991 and it has grown, organically, with Vocational/Foundation Training at its heart.
With Amit recently taking over, the practice is being modernised. It is fully computerised with Software of Excellence (EXACT) and digital x-rays. We have an excellent team of nurses and receptionists who are experienced in Foundation Training and well placed to meet the changing needs of a Foundation Dentist throughout the year.
We are passionate to remain within the NHS and continue to deliver quality dentistry to our patients within a NHS funded contract. Opportunity does exist for practicing a small amount of Dentistry under Private contract where appropriate.
Our patients are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds and need. Opportunity exists here to gain a wide experience of all aspects of Dentistry within a relaxed yet very supportive environment.
Currently we have two Performer dentists, one a former FD at the practice.
We have two part time hygienists who are students upon the Foundation Degree Hygienist training program offered by the University of Essex.
The Area: Heybridge is found sufficiently far east into Essex to be less affected by the often perceived Essex stereotype!
We are close to the coast and easily access the DFT Scheme centres of Ipswich and Basildon. Several of our Foundation dentists have commuted from their flats/homes in North and East London, however, I strongly recommend that serious consideration is given to re-locating to an area which allows a shorter commute to the practice and the Hospital Centre for day release. Experience tells us that your early months of Foundation training, whilst thrilling and rewarding are also tiring.
Owing to the distance from rail links, this would be a very difficult placement for anyone who did not drive.
Other Points of Interest: Simply come and meet us and you decide.