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 have benefited from working on a therapeutic PDS scheme for two years. I have been an Educational Supervisor since 2002 and love seeing the Foundation Dentists grow their skills and confidence during their DFT year.
Heidi Cheung: I graduated in 2005 from Bristol Dental School, and completed my Dental Foundation Training at the practice on the Bedford Scheme. I have completed the MJDF diploma, as well as the Postgraduate certificate in Dental Education. I started as a joint supervisor with Helen, and have since enjoyed mentoring new dentists to develop and grow throughout the Foundation year.
The Practice: Sandy is easily accessible from the A1 and is approximately a 30-minute drive north of the M25. The railway station that connects to Peterborough and Kings Cross is within a 10 minutes walk. The practice is situated on the Market Square in the heart of the town, with a large car park nearby.
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 is recognised as BDA Good Practice member and won Dental Protection's 'Dental Practice of the Year' award. The friendly and welcoming team comprises of seven dentists, eight nurses, two receptionists, 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 - utilising both computers and tablets for clinical records and digital form completion - and have individual intra-oral digital x-ray units. There is also a dedicated, central decontamination room. We offer a comprehensive range of NHS and Private treatments for all age groups of patients
Please visit the practice website for useful information about working and training at Sandy Dental Care. http://sandy-dentalcare.uk
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.
