The Educational Supervisors: Andrew Bell I qualified from Bristol Dental School in 2013 and completed my Foundation Training on the Taunton Scheme in the South West. Prior to this I graduated, from Bristol, with an honours degree in Neuroscience in 2008.
Born and bred in Lowestoft, I moved back to the area in 2014. I was appointed as an Educational Supervisor in 2017.
Clinically I enjoy the variety of work in being a general dentist. Outside of clinical dentistry I am the Vice-Chair of the Norfolk Local Dental Committee and the representative for Norfolk on the General Dental Practice Committee in London. Outside of work I enjoy playing guitar and golf. I also have a young family so lots of days out too!
Richard McCormick I qualified from the University of Liverpool in 2015 and undertook DFT on the Norwich Scheme. I developed an interest in dental teaching and completed a PGCE in Dental Education at the University of Bedfordshire in 2018. I was an ES between 2018 and 2020 and I am excited to be returning as a trainer for the 2022/23 year. I grew up in Norfolk and enjoy kayaking the Norfolk Broads in my spare time. I also enjoy football and am a long-suffering Everton fan.
We both enjoy having a young dentist in the practice. The Foundation Dentist will have a challenging but fun year that enthuses them in their chosen career and go from undergraduate level to a competent and confident general practitioner.
The Practice: We are a successful independent NHS & Private group of practices with 10 sites between Lowestoft and Norwich with the following accreditations - IIP (Investors in People), NVQ III Training Centre Accreditation, ISO 9002 (Business Systems Accreditation). With so many dentists working it is possible to gain experience in almost every specialty ranging from oral surgery and implants to periodontics and facial aesthetics.
We have our own Nurses training school and have an intake of 12-16 new candidates per year. We have been involved with Dental Foundation Training since it’s inception and have currently 10 trainers within our group.
The Gorleston practice is a 3 chair practice located in a quiet road just off the main high street through the town. The Caister practice has 4 surgeries and is located within the centre of the town, as well as being a short walking distance to the beach. The nursing and reception staff are friendly and experienced in supporting the requirements of FDs
Both practices benefit from a wide range of patients with a wide range of patients needs making the Foundation Training year both challenging and rewarding.
The Area: Gorleston is a popular coastal town in Norfolk and Caister is situated only 15 minutes North, up the coast, of Gorleston. Norfolk is a beautiful county and Norwich is the jewel of the county.
Norwich is a safe, rapidly developing city with many bars, pubs, restaurants and shops. There are 2 shopping centers and several nightlife areas so there is always plenty to do. There is a central train station with good links to Cambridge and London daily. Norwich airport and Stansted airport provide low cost flights to many local and international locations. Outside the city you will quickly find yourself in a beautiful scenic county with its sandy beaches and the renowned Norfolk Broads. A variety of outdoor activities such as paint balling, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, Go-Karting, and sailing are available depending on your interests.
Other Points of Interest: Accommodation has never been a problem FDs, either sharing houses in the City or living in affordable accommodation provided by the practice. Rent is low, even in the city, we can give advice on finding suitable property.
Even for people who know nothing of the area, the practice group provides the perfect opportunity for FDs to gain experience and enjoy the year in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere with young Dentists and staff in a non corporate environment.
Events:
Regular Practice Meetings with interesting topics
Study Groups
Peer Review
Clinical Audits
Social Events - including golf days and our annual Dentists vs Accountants evening.