The Educational Supervisors:
Helen Kefford: I qualified in 1998 from Bristol Dental School and undertook Dental Foundation Training on the Bedford Scheme. I have also completed the MFGDP and Post-Graduate Certificate in Dental Education qualifications. My particular interest is adhesive dentistry and I benefited from working on a restorative PDS scheme for 2 years. I have been an Educational Supervisor since 2002 and love seeing the Foundation Dentists grow in their skills and confidence during their DFT year. Outside of work I enjoy quality time with my family and relax by listening to music or being absorbed in books.
The Practice: Sandy is easily accessible from the A1and is approximately a 30 minute drive north of the M25 by car. 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 with a large car park close by.
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 on both computers and tablets, and have individual intra-oral digital x-ray units. There is a dedicated central decontamination room. We offer a comprehensive range of NHS and Private treatments for all age groups of patients. The FD 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 encourage out FDs to come to us for advice and help and are looking for FDs who want 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 Dental Foundation Training for many years and is currently the TPD for the Peterborough scheme. Five previous FDs are still working at the practice.
